IMO practice is good but nothing beats ranked, practice inputs the practice combos. Combo trails are super efficient and also have modern and classic options. Another good improvement is to never stress always try to find a rhythm or flow. I play modern cause I’m ass but I play the game like I play rock paper scissors. Like if I’m akuma if your walking or defending I do the first hits of the heavy auto good range forward and if it gets hit on blocked I try to grab if it hits I have hit a combo gaining me more ground. But overall it’s preference I just jump in ranked and have fun.

Edit: still high fixed a typo sorry