I use a cross cutting motion according to what I am trying to remove from the paint, swirls I always use a polisher or orbital for depending on how bad they are. My final 4 coats are hand polish, 2 coats of sealer, and a handwax, first application I use a front to rear motion, then up and down twice, then front to rear, I try to cover all angles so the paint is worked in all directions instead of just one. Just what I have found works best, although on certain finishes and colors I have found it doesn't matter unless you are going all out, I kinda play it by ear depending on what is expected.