With the ball in the poisition your pic shows, the points should just barely be open. A good way to check it is to hold a test light onto the (-) terminal of the coil with the ignition switch in the run position, turn the distributor housing clockwise until the points close, and then turn back CCW until the test light just comes on. Lock the distributor down in that position. Be very sure both valves are closed on the cylinder you're trying to align tne rotor with. The ball aligns twice, once on #1 compression, and again on exhaust. The #1 cylinder should have both valves closed when you time the distributor to the plug wire.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!