This is extremely true here. While you said you took the controls of your friend's 1/4 scale plane, there is a huge difference between "flying" the plane and "being in control". It's actually pretty easy get plane like that in the air and fly around a bit, but once you turn them loose and start playing with them they can get away from you in a heartbeat. Instead of just flying a plane like this you need to stay ahead of it. Many new pilots move up to planes like this too quickly and when flying them they are constantly trying to keep up and react to what the plane is doing, instead they should be at least 2 steps ahead of the plane at all times. The only way to get that type of skill is to practice, practice, and practice. Usually when newer pilots are reacting instead of flying the plane gets into a situation that they don't know how to handle and they will crash the plane. Most pilots that do this get frustrated and leave the hobby because they see their beautiful plane destroyed. But if you take the time with some intermediate planes you will gain the skills you need to stay ahead of the the plane avoid these types of situation.

And before anybody asks, this is the voice of experience speaking. My 3rd plane was a Lanier 1/4 scale Extra. I loved that plane because it looked so good in the air. But I never flew in, instead it was flying me. I was terrified of the plane because my skills just weren't up to snuff off keeping up with it. In the end the plane was utterly totalled. So I know what I'm talking about here, been there done that!!

In all honesty though, you will do yourself a huge favor if you get a different plane that is going to let you continue developing your skills before you move up to these more aerobatic planes.

Hope this helps

Ken