COLUMNIST
Half Measures Avail us Nothing BY SAMM DIEP © OCTOBER 2011
Samm Diep
Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” (DenverCherryBomb.com) House Pro at Felt Billiards (Englewood, CO) Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)” Player Representative for Chris Byrne Custom Cues, PoolDawg, Predator, Jim Murnak Custom Cases, & Delta-13 Rack League Manager for Rocky Mountain USA Pool League (RockyMountainPool.com) SammsPocket.com | fun & unique products for pool players PoolTipJar.com | random smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, news, & reviews
“Half measures avail us nothing.” The origin of this quote is unknown to me but what I do know is that it couldn’t be truer. I can recall numerous instances in my life where my indecisiveness led to my inability to give 100%. As a result, this would always lead to failure, or at least not the successful outcome I desired. I was first introduced to this passage in 2004 by a former coach and mentor. He would repeat it over and over when he could see that I wasn’t fully committed to the shot or a decision. I never fully appreciated what he was saying to me until lately. In a recent professional turn in my life, I’ve found myself in a position where I have too many roles. Between managing, marketing, writing, teaching, reporting, and just simply trying to be a good wife, I was doing the best that I could but for the first time in years, I revisited the words of my former coach, “Half measures avail us nothing.” We all wear many hats in our lives. We may be parents, teachers, neighbors, or pool players. Whatever the role may be, it’s impossible to give any of them 100% without awareness. Awareness is what allows us to identify with the specific task at hand and to perform it to our best. Awareness affords us the opportunity to enjoy ourselves when we accept a challenge. Without awareness, we would not be able to take full measures. Examples of full measures we can practice in pool: 1. Do not look ahead on the tournament bracket. Only focus on the one match you are about to play. Too many times, I’ve seen players psych themselves out by whom their next opponent might be if they win or what time their next match is. 2. When shooting two-way shots, have a specific plan on which is more important, either the safety or the offensive shot. When we divide our efforts between both shots, often times we can miss them both and leave the table for our opponent. 3. If you show up to play in a 9-ball tournament, focus on the tournament. Try not to get caught up on any side action shenanigans. If your focus is to have a positive outcome at the tournament, gambling and playing other games will only distract you from the main event. 4. If you’re ever unsure or not fully committed to the shot, stand up and start the shot over again. Shooting while undecided will only reinforce bad habits. 5. While in a match, shut off your phone. The only way you can do your best at whatever it is you’re doing is by giving it your undivided attention. The only way to avoid regret and disappointment is to always do your best and give all of yourself to whatever it is you’re doing. If you don’t succeed then you cannot blame yourself for not giving it 100%. If half measures avail us nothing then full measure will avail us everything.
8 Rackem Magazine - October 2011