In surgery, having sound basic surgical technique is of paramount importance, conferring benefits to patient and surgeon alike. Whereas proper technique enhances safety and outcomes, improper or clumsy technique will cause undue tissue trauma, lengthen operative time, and increases the risk of injury to the patient, surgeon, or staff. This article explores how surgical educators can better teach effective, efficient surgical technique in and out of the operating room. We describe the historical context of surgical training as it pertains to basic surgical technique and to provide suggestions for how hand surgery faculty can better teach their trainees.