John. What some teachers fail to teach in Latin is the steps in relation to the music. You are obviously dancing the International style. In a basic you will step forward ( Ball Flat ) LF on step 1 which is on beat 2 with the music. If you were to watch Donnie Burns in his setup he has his RF. behind the LF and does a lock step Correctly named a Latin Cross on 4&1. Then forward LF as usual on beat 2.with the music which is playing 234&1. Some start with the RF to the side and simply roll onto the RF on the beat of 1 with the music, and continue into a normal front and back Basic.. Starting with the LF on the beat of 2. Counting 234&1. You can if you wish call the 4&1 Cha Cha Cha. At first this might help but later could prove a handicap. Try to count 4&1 for the Chasse or Lock if you can at this stage.If you do Locks Steps instead of Chasses forward and backwards you must study the technique ( foot work )and watch a good video if possible. One to recomend is Slavik's Inovation Cha Cha Cha. single disk. In it he and Katrina go through the basic movements , speaking about balance timing. expression ,action the whole box and dice.There is everything there that you could possibly need to know. You have already asked a sensible and important question. Keep at it. When reading about any dance make sure they are describing the International Style.