A throwing wheel spins with uniform circular motion, and its speed is crucial during the different steps of throwing. Starting out the wheel should be running at the highest speed, as this makes the process of pushing clay into one solid form much easier. During the second step where the clay form is opened, the clay becomes less stable as the bottom is pulled upwards, leaving an upper portion that becomes taller but also thinner with each pull. At this time a slower speed is more efficient because it is very easy to distort the thinner form when you are shaping it.