RE: Improving Basic abilities???
Maybe I am out of line here an correct me if I am wrong but do I understand that you have become profecient on flying a trainer or have you flown anyother type airplanes other than a trainer at this point!
If this is where you are proficient at flying a trainer then I would suggest your starting point to be learning the next step up from a trainer and gain the skills to master the next several phases then seek someone that flys in the arena that you are interested in going.
What type of competition are you interested in learning?
Are their flyers in your area that fly the type of competition that you are interested in?