Please someone teach me the correct way to do this:

If I'm on a hill how do I stop from drifting back before going forward?

Do I let the clutch pedal out to right before it starts catching to stop from going backward? Is this bad for the clutch?

HELP! I don't want to hurt my baby.

 

yes that will wear out your clutch prematurely!
dont do that! Stopping on a hill---thats what brakes are for, not your clutch!

 

Here's what I do, hold the parking brake lever up with your thumb on the release button until you feel the clutch engage. Then.....GO!!

Many people who have not driven a manual tranny car have this issue until they learn to heel and toe the brake and throttle...but the parking brake technique will get you through the learning curve.

I hope this helps, and definately don't slip the clutch...you'll wear it out prematurely.

Good luck with your Z!