Make sure you anchor your elbows onto your knees or upper legs as you do this.
Begin by first weighing out your clay. As a beginner, it is helpful to start with small amounts of clay under one pound. Shape the clay into a symmetrical ball with both hands. Secure the bat on your potter’s wheel and slam the clay ball into the center of the bat. Tap it to the center with dry hands. Wet your hands in water and start to center the clay while the wheel is in motion. Make sure you anchor your elbows onto your knees or upper legs as you do this. Cone the clay up and down to ensure it is centered. Make a hole in the center of the clay, then push your hand into the base, while keeping the wheel in motion. Make sure you leave enough clay at the base so you don’t push through the bottom of your pot. Pull the clay up with one hand inside and one outside your pot.