How do i effectively use engine braking?

[abhattan]

If you know your car well enough, you can blip the throttle to rev match your enging and trans together. This way you won't cause any excessive wear. It also helps keep the back inline in a quick braking situation. I've had many sticks and always engine brake. My clutches lasted me forever. But there are other components to worry about, like your U-joints and bearings in the trans and other stuff like that.