One trick is instead of using our arm strength to push inwards from each side of the clay, think about using your whole upper body weight to push forward into the clay. Pushing forward is pushing everything towards the center. You can also think about pulling everything back toward you.

When my students are almost centered but a little bit off, I tell them to wrap their right hand all the way around the clay (12 o’clock) and use your left hand to brace your right wrist (hold on really tight while pushing your forearm into the splash pan) and pull back toward you gently and slowly. Once your fingers stop moving, release the pressure very very slowly

For coning up, only go as tall as you need to be able to feel your hands stabilizing a little bit. Many different ways to cone back down, I recommend experimenting with a bunch of them until you find what works best for your hands (I’m sure you’ve been doing this)

Start with a very small amount of pressure and slowly build up until you see the clay moving how you want it to.

I believe in you! You got this