# The Push and Pull Technique

Unit: Conquering the Wheel
Topic: Centering the Clay
URL: https://claybook.studio/learn/the-push-and-pull-technique/

# How to Actually Center

Centering has two distinct hand movements working together. Master both, then combine them.

## The Push: From the Side

This is the primary centering force. With the wheel spinning fast:

1.  Place your dominant hand against the side of the clay, fingers pointing down. The heel and side of your hand press into the clay.
2.  Brace that elbow firmly against your thigh or the splash pan rim.
3.  Push the clay firmly inward, toward the center of the wheel.
4.  Your hand is not moving up and down. It is pushing *horizontally* inward.

The clay will resist. Hold the pressure steady and the wheel's rotation will work the clay toward center. Think "steady pressure," not "jabbing."

## The Pull: From the Top

The top hand prevents the clay from rising up as you push from the side:

1.  Place your non-dominant hand flat on top of the clay.
2.  Press down with gentle but firm pressure.
3.  This hand works *against* the side push, keeping the clay low and compact.

## Working Together

Both hands must work at the same time:

*   Side hand pushes in.
*   Top hand pushes down.
*   The clay is compressed from two directions simultaneously.

Release slowly and check: does the clay still wobble? If yes, repeat. If the wobble is only slight, you might be close enough to proceed.

## Pro Tip

Use water on your hands but not too much. Wet clay is slippery: your hands will slide off instead of gripping. A thin slick is all you need.

## Push-Pull Timing Practice
Practice three short cycles:
* 10 seconds steady inward push
* 10 seconds top-down stabilization
* 10 seconds combined pressure

This builds coordination before your first opening move.

## Keep Exploring

Centering relies on [centripetal force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centripetal_force), the inward-directed force that keeps a body moving along a curved path rather than flying outward. The goal of centering is to achieve perfect [symmetry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symmetry) in the clay mass so that it appears motionless while spinning, much like a balanced wheel on a car.

## Check your understanding

### Question 1: What does the top hand do during centering?

- [ ] A. It pushes the clay inward
- [x] B. It presses down to keep the clay low
- [ ] C. It adds water to the clay
- [ ] D. It pulls the clay upward

Tip: The top hand presses down to stop the clay from rising as the side hand pushes inward.

### Question 2: What type of pressure should you use when centering from the side?

- [ ] A. Short, sharp jabs
- [x] B. Steady, consistent inward pressure
- [ ] C. Very light fingertip pressure
- [ ] D. Upward pressure from below

Tip: Apply steady, consistent inward pressure. The wheel's rotation does the work. Jabbing and releasing is much less effective.