I’ll come to the defence of Ripptoe and SS/Texas, but with a caveat. Back in 2010 to 2013 when I done weights for rugby I used SS and then Texas to get bigger and stronger. It worked. They are good programs to get people stronger and quickly.
But that’s the issueas you say, the rate of increase can be considered too fast for most, especially smaller guys. And stalling is not a nice feeling.
For example. I have a friend (who weighs 70kg) who started SS just after the new years and is very close to stalling on his OHP already. It’s a bit demoralising as all he sees is “5 work outs in and I’m already struggling”. Not that in 3 weeks he’s added 62% to his OHP and if we use the 75% rule his ORM is now about 42.5kg, or 65% of his body weight. Or that his OHP is now higher than his bench press would have been if we’d have tested it on January the first. Nope just the impending fear of failure.
So the best thing about SS is the worst. You’ll get strong fast. But, unless you’re big and don’t mind eating like a king. You’re going to stall early and hard.
As for Texas – humm. I liked it. But I was 25 ate like a king and could dedicate my life to fitness and rugby. I was a machine and ate as such.
I only recommended SS as I’ve done it and know it inside and out. So I can help out more with program ETC. Just trying to get him to lift big and hard and often.