Centering: the only skill that matters at first
Why centering the clay on the wheel is the most important skill for beginners, and the small body adjustments that make it easier.
Centering is the act of getting the clay perfectly aligned with the rotational axis of the wheel. Until the clay is centered, no symmetrical form can be thrown — every wobble in the wall traces back to off-centre clay underneath.
The basics
Wedge the clay first; air bubbles ruin centering. Slap the ball onto the bat as close to the centre as you can. Wet your hands generously, brace your dominant elbow against your hip, and apply firm steady pressure inward and downward.
The clay should rise into a cone, then push down again into a hockey-puck. Repeat the cone-and-press cycle two or three times. The clay is centered when the wheel feels still under your hands at full speed.