It is worth persevering with the practice - I spent months and months on practice squares. And practising shapes etc with pencil and paper alot really works and makes it easier when you go to the machine, you will find you have a more fluid movement. If you dont have a speed control, try blocking the descent of the foot control pedal to limit the speed a little which helps with control.
Most fmq'ers still "warm up" before starting on a quilt.