judyjudyjudy,
Take a look at some of the other Featherweight blogs on the board. I think it was Billy (lostn51) who mentioned we need to put the heel down and use the ball of the foot to control the foot pedal. It makes speed control a lot easier to deal with.
I've been using my featherweight for about 25 years now and done it both ways. The heel down using the ball is much easier on your calves and on your foot.
Try it, you'll like it!