Weightlifting Coaches Criticized for Size Programming

Dante Trudel's "Doggcrapp" (DC) training system, which was mentioned as a better approach for building size, is a high-intensity, low-volume bodybuilding methodology. It revolves around principles of heavy progressive overload, rest-pause sets where a lifter takes brief rests during a set to complete more reps, and "extreme stretching" of the worked muscle. The philosophy prioritizes strength gains as the primary driver for muscle growth. The program is designed for advanced lifters and involves training each muscle group with high frequency, typically every 4-5 days, as opposed to the traditional once-a-week split. This is part of a "blasting" phase of intense training for 6-12 weeks, followed by a "cruising" phase of maintenance training for 10-14 days. Proponents of DC training often follow a very high protein diet to support recovery and muscle growth. Ryan Babatz, the North Dakota State offensive tackle praised for his 400lb clean, was a three-star recruit from Buffalo, Minnesota. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 265 pounds in high school, he was a multi-sport athlete, also competing in wrestling and track and field, where he was the state shot put champion. His former coach described him as the best offensive line prospect in Minnesota in his class, having only given up one sack in over 500 pass attempts in two years. The debate around a freshman squatting 585lbs touches on a common point of discussion in strength and conditioning: the balance between pushing for records and ensuring proper long-term development and safety. While impressive, such lifts often spark conversations about technique, the pressure on young athletes, and the appropriateness of the programming for their age and experience level. For context, true freshman tight end Brock Schott at the University of Miami recently broke a nearly 20-year-old program record with a 560-pound squat. This highlights that while exceptionally high, heavy squats by freshmen are not unheard of in high-level collegiate programs where athletes are often physically mature and have a significant training background before entering college. Criticisms of modern size and strength programming often center on issues like junk volume—too many sets and reps that lead to fatigue without stimulating growth—and a neglect of foundational movement patterns. Some programs are also criticized for being overly simplistic or, conversely, too complicated, leading to poor adherence and potential injuries due to muscle imbalances. There's also debate over percentage-based programs, which can be rigid and not account for a lifter's daily readiness.