I do shift my grip through the pattern also. It has become as subconscious as blipping.

- wrap for 1-2
- cap with a heel-up for 3 and a finger-tip tap down for 4
- reverse wrap for 5-6

Lastly, I try to get my elbow out a bit so it is in-line with the driveline, tucking it to my side leads me to pull the shifter towards me

 

whatever works for u, practice practice practice

 

I do the exact same thing. In my Mcoupe I always had trouble with shifting using the spring, as on those bimmers they will occasionally feel like centering where 1st and 2nd are. Bit scary on the track.