Subaru STi with short-throw shifter option. It's hell. Not only it's similar to Boxster, but also its clutch is too shallow and the throw is like only 1 inch.

 

I have driven manuals for over 350K miles. I have taught 8 people how to drive stick. Some were even terrified. One I taught in my new vette.

FIRST
Take it to a mall parking lot LATE at night. This is the best training ground. Once you learn 1st and 2nd, the rest is easy.

SECOND
Rev the engine to 1500RPM. VERY VERY SLOWLY LET THE CLUTCH OUT. You will feel the car start to drift. Do NOT, repeat NOT, let the clutch out fully now, or the car will jump. HOLD the clutch in the same spot. DO NOT move the clutch once it starts to catch. The engine and the clutch will mesh themselves up. After about 3 seconds let the clutch out. It will be smooth as butta!

Come to a stop. Don't forget to press the clutch in! Keep repeating step 2 until you get a feel for your clutch.

THIRD
In the mall parking lot, practice shifting to second. 10->15MPH is a good sweet spot. The skip shift may force you into forth. Do NOT fight it.

HILLS
As someone stated, have your parking brake on when stopped on a hill. When you feel the car catch and pull forward a little, release the brake. The first time or two, you may want someone with experience to release the parking brake for you. (Less for you to worry about when getting a feel for the clutch.)

Rookie mistake
1. Forgetting to put the clutch in when stopping. Stalled engine...no harm

2. Putting it in 3rd instead of 1st when pulling into an intersection from a stop. This can both stall your engine and get you t-boned. Please allow for plenty of space until you get the feel for your stick. I did this several times over my first year. So this warning is important to heed.

3. Do not use your clutch to hold your position on a hill. You will burn it out!

 

That's correct. I once asked Hertz if they have manual trans car, they said they usually don't get one to avoid any possible trouble.