As for mates, different mating positions have names: smothered, Arabian and, of course, corridor, which you know by another name. If you familiarize with these positions, they will be easier for you to find over the board.
Any tips for a noob?
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Play over the games of masters that have commentary that explains the plans.
A few games collections will provide many examples of mating patterns and tactical themes. You will also see how openings are related to middlegame plans. There will also be master level endgames.
i know some on these forums recommend that you play many rapid games to discover these on your own. I think that a couple months with good game collections is a much more effective trading approach will put you far ahead of those at your level who try to improve only by playing speed chess.
Excellent question. The answer is categorize. Tactics have motifs. Click on custom puzzles and you get a listing. Today April 9th; the first move had two, replacing a protected rook with unprotected rook could be "removing defender" and clearance for queen move. Second move is skewer. Third move is hanging piece.