Head coach Richie Murphy says Ulster must try to “get back to where we were pre-Christmas” before Friday’s United Rugby Championship [URC] trip to Edinburgh (19:45 GMT).
Ulster have had promising season, but their momentum has stalled with two defeats in their past three games.
Friday’s game is a rearranged match after the 3 October fixture was postponed because of Storm Amy.
“I still think it’s key to mention that we’re still very much a work in progress. We still have quite a young squad, developing and learning,” Murphy told BBC Sport NI.
“Our performances here at home have probably been better than some of our performances away.
“We focus on ourselves and trying to tidy up our set-piece and also get back to where we were pre-Christmas. Once we were getting into the 22, we were really efficient and scoring a lot of tries. So that’s where we need to get back to.”
Edinburgh sit 12th in the table, 13 points behind sixth-placed Ulster, but the Scots boosted their play-offs hopes with victory over Scarlets last time out.
Friday’s hosts have won the past two meetings with Ulster, including a 47-17 victory last season.
“[It’s a] tough task at the weekend, to go away to Edinburgh, they’re scrapping for points as well,” added Murphy.
“The great thing for us is we’re back on to a nice firm surface, which suits the style we want to try and play.
“I suppose it’s a prequel to the main event maybe, on Saturday afternoon [when Ireland face Scotland], and what a game that will be. It’ll be really exciting to see.”