The ideology behind one of the greatest soccer teams ever. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Beauty Out Of Simplicity

The elegance of simplicity is that it leaves a lasting impression.

152
Beauty Out Of Simplicity
https://www.pexels.com/photo/athletes-audience-ball-bleachers-270085/

Simplicity is the key to beauty. One of the most fundamental principles of design is simplicity. It is no coincidence that the biggest companies and brands, the ones that have the most memorable logos, employ this tactic. The elegance of simplicity is that it leaves a lasting impression because, despite your intuition telling you that something so basic shouldn't work, it does. This very simplicity was the foundation of one of the greatest soccer teams ever – Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

This month, the documentary "Take the ball, pass the ball" based on Guardiola's tenure at Barcelona was released worldwide. In the span of four years (2008-2012), Guardiola led the Catalan team to a total of fourteen major trophies, making him the most successful coach in the 120 years of the club's existence. How did he achieve that? The answer, surprisingly, lies in the title itself.

As with anything in life, in order to excel at something, it is imperative to have a strong foundation. The simplest, most basic action in the entire game is that of passing the ball. Not shooting, dribbling, or heading, but passing. Each misplaced pass is a wasted opportunity, and gives away the ball to the opponent, thus increasing the risk of conceding a goal. Thus, by obtaining mastery over the fundamentals, one can then move onto the more advanced stages.

The majority of sports is focused on pressuring the opponent into making a mistake. However, being calm under pressure minimizes the amount of mistakes you'll make, thus resulting in greater success.

Another factor that contributed to the success of this historic team was that they maintained possession of the ball. Going back to the mistake principle, if the opponent does not have the ball, then it is unlikely they can force you into making errors. In order to accomplish this, it is essential to keep the ball moving constantly. Take the ball, pass the ball. Never stop, never stay still.

The rapid passing movement of the players and the ball of this team is a metaphor for how one should approach life. Keep things constantly moving around, don't stop to rest. Regardless of whether you are ahead, you must keep pushing forward, otherwise, the pressure will catch up to you.

What is the objective of sports? To entertain, to provide memories and happiness. Most importantly though, amongst so many other alternatives, what makes something stand out is how memorable it is. Here's where the simplicity comes into play, again. The more elementary something is, the easier it is to remember. In a sport where game plans can become extremely complicated, a simplistic approach provides a fresh overview of the sport. Not only that, but it etches it into your memory.

So go forth, and reduce the complications of everyday life. Make it simple, master the basics, and watch yourself succeed. Don't try to take on too much at once. Make it memorable.

It makes no sense. Something so simple shouldn't work. And yet, it does. And it works like magic, grabbing the attention of anyone watching. It creates something beautiful.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187800
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13356
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456710
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25925
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments