They learn mechanical techniques for solving certain equations or taking derivatives. But all of these things are just the scaffolding. They are necessary and useful, sure, but by themselves they are useless. Doing only the superficial and then thinking that something important has happened is like building only the scaffolding. Ready for the big play.
Professional athletes spend hours in gyms working out on equipment of all sorts.
Special trainers are hired to advise them on workout schedules. They spend hours running on treadmills. Imagine there're three seconds left in the seventh game of the NBA championship. The score is tied. The pressure is intense.