Never touch leverage or futures trade if you dont have able to have some good grasp with spot and i would tell you this basing up on experience.Stick with spot and make yourself profitable and if you do find out yourself
effective then try to raise up your position but if you are bit ready or that confident to jump into leverage/futures then go ahead but be sure to take or have that outmost risk management because this is something
way too risky that wont really be for everybody specially for newbies.You do need to be at least experienced for this one.
You have to develop good skills with spot trade before jumping to leverage or future trade.
It's tough jumping to this type of trading when you are not financially and mentally ready.
Spot is the best place to practice since you are in control of your emotions.
Both long and short can be performed well with spot, depending on how you project your position.
it's all on you to decide either to hold or sell your assets when the market is moving, not on your favor.