I always just do this: with one hand wedge two fingers or so between the tire and the seat tube to push the wheel back (as centered as possible), with the other spin down the nuts enough that it doesn't slip back. tighten to finger tight, then do alternating half turn with a wrench until it is tight-tight-tight.

I suppose it could be rough on the hands, but even if the track nuts are lightly finger tight I can wedge the wheel further back this way. pretty easy to get good tension. if the bike is upside down I often use the chainstay bridge instead.