I clip all the lower branches that do not reach the canopy about 1 week before I throw them into flower. I never clip fan leaves or anything that does not need removing.
I am not sure if that is the best example. It really depends on the strain you are using. Give us a list of what you are running with and we can point you in the right direction.
Got the headband, common bagseed purple, auto-top mexi, northern lights, & sensi-star. I know its a mix up, but I get to smoke different strains, and i need that. So far I clipped a few small branches towards the base of the plants, there about 4-6 nodes deep, bushy.