hi, i will only give advice from my experience.
1.- Avoiding converts it's not bad but i wouldn't say avoid them. also play them to ain experience, but obviously you should focus on specifics.
2.- Don't play mods until you can control the catcher and feel comfortable playing (idk how to explain this, but like at 3* range, you start to feel more comfortable moving the catcher). DT could be an option, but again, this is my personal experience. i'd recommend playing DT in old maps since the cs and the sliders help you to improve accuracy when moving. FL it's just a thing where memorization is key, so use it if you want.
3.- Only pass to higher star ranges when you feel comfortable playing lower ones. For example, when transitioning to 3*, play lots of higher 2* and meanwhile pass 3*. then, when you feel comfortable with 2*, try playing more 3* and less 2* ones. Eventually, you'll get used to playing at 3* and so on
forgot something important, which is: download the most maps you can. and play the most maps you can. like, every day try downloading some 20 STD-CTB maps and play some of them. Not only you will be more entertained, but your gameplay will be variated, which also makes you improve with all kinds of patterns