Being “pushed” into space is a very succinct way of putting it.

I do think, however, that you have to do some conscious thinking in similar situations previously in order to develop a good unconscious sense of space and timing.

I think, when I use the word “think” in reference to things that should happen while on-field, what I really mean is “be aware of” or “pay attention to.” It can be deliberate, and to some extent you have to deliberately focus, but there is a huge unconscious component to high-level play, as you allude to.

I find that when I think in terms of what *I* want to do next, my cuts are generally out of sync with what’s happening on the field.

Instead, I like to think of what the field is *pushing me* to do next. This especially helps when you’re exhausted, because it doesn’t require you to make conscious sequential decisions; each of which requires you to general mental acceptance. Instead, it’s a flowing thing where you only make one decision: take what the field gives me, work within the team.

(All that aside, I don’t think we’re talking about very different mental processes; I just wanted to share what I find to be a helpful way of describing it.)