By default, playing is a form of practice and vice versa.

For me, yes at times I specifically focus on one skill or one type of objective.

I feel skills learned allow for extra flips per game which means the games last longer, the scores increase, and different goals/modes are reached. All of that increases my enjoyment. Having the skills to make something happen with the ball is more enjoyable than simply hoping something will happen.

However, batting the ball around to listen to the sounds and watch lights blink is ok too. Whatever you are into