Shaping Perfect Dough Balls

The technique for smooth, tight balls that proof evenly.

Floury hands shaping a pizza dough ball beside three finished dough balls on a dark worktop
Image sourceRISE

The Technique

  • Divide dough with a bench scraper, don't tear
  • Flour your hands lightly
  • Cup the dough with both hands
  • Rotate while tucking edges underneath
  • Create surface tension without over-tightening

Signs of a Good Ball

Smooth top surface, tight skin, no visible seams, slight dome shape. The bottom seam should be sealed but not thick.

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