Patterns

Patterns are elements that you recognize and play automatically. The exercises to train with, I suspect, are also that. Developing the ability to recognize a "pattern", that is a common situation that you should play automatically. I suspect this is an element behind the psychology of getting better, no matter the domain. Patterns are also present in many fields: see a situation that looks like familiar (not the exact same situation, it would be impossible) and say "Ah, sounds familiar, I know what to do". It reduces the stress too, because you just know what to do.