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I was always taught to pull the slide back, letting it go forward while my hand was still moving to the rear. This simulates the action of the weapon cycling after firing and helps the slide fully lock (the more energy stored in the recoil spring the better). I am not sure it really makes that much of a difference, but it is how I was taught.

I have noticed that various pistols have different procedures. The M&P, for example, has a slide lock with no nub on it to work as a release. It is designed to force you to pull the slide back.

Now, the reason I point this out is that you should practice how you will fight. If you have multiple weapons, you need to develop habits that will work on all of them if possible. Since some allow the slide release and some do not, I would recommend working based on not having the release capability. Just one less thing that you might not do quite right under stress. I have had this argument in training circles before, on both operations and how to clear malfunctions. There are people who teach pistol specific tactics and people who teach generic any pistol tactics. I prefer the latter.

Oh yeah, on the one handed shooting (since I did see it mentioned), I suggest practicing pulling the slide to the rear by pushing the frame forward while pushing the slide against something. The rear sights catch quite nicely on the heel of your boot (assuming you wear boots) and will cycle the slide for you.