Set a small, observable target
Use the starting companion, Pip, if you are learning the controls. Before each attempt, locate the first opening and decide to watch the companion all the way through it. The point appearing confirms that the full collision circle has cleared the branches.
Do not restart just because the approach feels imperfect. Let it finish so you can distinguish a successful crossing from a near miss and see what heading you carry out. A low score is enough to make this exercise informative.
Run a simple comparison
On the first attempt, notice whether your crossing is too high, too low or too steep. On the next, change one reversal slightly earlier or later while leaving the rest of the setup as similar as possible. Compare the resulting clearance rather than only the final score.
- Start and observe the first approach without adding unplanned extra taps.
- Read the failure reason or confirm the first point.
- Name one adjustment and retry under the same conditions.
Decide when to move beyond the drill
You are ready to widen the target when you can explain why a first crossing worked and reproduce a similar route. This is a practical learning cue, not a required number of successful attempts.
Then watch how the first exit sets up the second opening. If changing the first approach solves one gate but makes the next much harder, keep the useful clearance and adjust the exit heading. The drill should build a route you can continue, rather than a single isolated maneuver that happens to earn one point.