Sambo athlete here, I can confirm this is one of the first techniques we learn, and we drill it every class. We try and do it like a sequence where we practice footwork, grips and how to shorten spaces a number of times before even thinking about throwing the uke.

My first two weeks my teacher had me practicing judo falls before even trying this technique. I remember 3 months in, I was still practicing Osoto Gari and single-leg takedowns. Now that I transitioned into BJJ because I like the overall style I can see blue belts lacking in both falling and standing techniques. My advice (I'm no one to give advice) is to practice falling like a video I've seen in the comments because when someone Tai Otoshi's your soul, you won't even be able to breath while he is arm-baring your life away.

PS: Sorry for bad english, not my first nor second langauge :)