I've never had to resort to the handbrake method, as it's all a matter of technique with a quick timing of moving your right foot from the brake pedal to the gas, releasing the clutch and giving it enough gas to get you moving forward.
To use the handbrake method, put on the handbrake and just give it a little bit of gas as you start to release the clutch. As you are letting out the clutch, ease the handbrake loose and off you go.
As for other techniques to keep from rolling backward, you could aways have Ms. Moran volunteer to be a wheel chock for you
