I wouldn't know how to describe my pedaling "technique". I don't use clipless, I use mtb platforms with tractions pins (some call the freestyle) pedals. Definitely better than the "regular" road platforms I had, felt like I gained some efficiency with the mtb.platforms. I think I push down, then pull back after I'm at the bottom of the stroke, but never really gave much thought, or paid attention to it. If I was pedaling one-footed, I'd probably miss from 8:00 to 12:00 on the pedal stroke, but I'm not riding one footed, so by that time the pedal on the other side has taken over. Not as efficient as clipless, but works OK for me.