Quote Originally Posted by light_sabe_r
I have a hybrid... With those rapid fire type shifters...

My front derailer has been a bit of CRAP recently and I have to push the derailer beyond the gear in order to go up... coming back down it's no issue

As I've been shifting up I've realised that my (left) hand's going at a rather odd angle in order to go from granny to midrange... or mid to BIG.
Sorry, no tips on the wrist cracking, but a couple of thoughts on your derailleur. If you have to "over-gear" it upwards the wire probably needs a little tightening. If it's a bit hard to push then lubing the wire plus maybe the derailleur in strategic points should help. And finally - if the entire shifter is placed so that your wrist is at an awkward angle you could try loosening it from the handlebars and re-positioning it at a more comfortable angle.