A short throw shifter works by moving the pivot point of the shift arm higher than it normally sits, minimizing the distance the driver needs to move the arm to grab the next gear. In drag racing or drifting, cutting down on shift time can be essential to conserving much needed seconds when you need them the most. ChrisFix has a handy how-to on the short throw and will walk you through the science behind the component, in addition to how to install one for yourself.