This is a monster book filled to the brim with information. As S&C books go, this one was dense and all encompassing. 

Jovanovic did a fantastic job of depicting the current methods touted by S&C coaches around the world. What is refreshing is the first hand application of these methods within his own practice. The first hand perspective was limiting to certain methods. Jovanic threw out concepts from the author’s personal experience. Which was unfair to certain methods. 

The writing style was unnecessarily crass at times. I personally hate this style of writing. Too much candor is unbecoming. It dilutes what is a fantastic message. When you create hypothetical archetypes that are these perceived enemies of progress, it comes off as insecure. Then, to constantly accuse these fictitious characters of being in the way of practical application or advancement, felt unnecessary. 

It could simply be that this is the first I have noticed this, but I feel as though this is becoming a more and more common strategy. I cannot help but wonder if this is the sign of the times, or perhaps a select group of people that have published work and have large platforms. Social media, and therefore correspondence, is fueled by creating a common enemy. Everything has to fall into a binary us versus them dynamic. Which then creates a polarization of information. If you disagree or ask for more explanation, you easily fall into the category of opposition. The quality of the information is diluted by the imaginary battle against a fictitious enemy. 

This book definitely serves as a compendium of S&C resources. The information is not only current, but extremely relevant. The central theme behind the book is model based thinking. Jovanovic cites several recent models such as Taleb’s Anti Fragile or Peterson’s Rules for Life. A models based approach is an ever increasing dynamic within S&C since training is a complex, open system.. 

The programming aspect is built around building nomenclature. Jovanovic took an interesting approach of demonstrating that commonly used terminology was just made up. So, why not create something new? Agendas are the product bias, and those biases are spawned from some preconceived notions that something is true regardless of why. Which, to Jovaonovic’s point, why not just make up newer terms that fit the narrative of the book? 

This book is written for the more experienced coach. It is very context dependent. To appreciate different nomenclature based on the notion of models based thinking is an advanced concept. An inexperienced coach that lacks practical experience can be easily swayed to believe that Javonvic’s opinions on methods being good or not good based on his own circumstances. Being an informed consumer is a big ask for a young, impressionable coach, and asking them to decipher personal opinion from objective truth is a lot to be expected. This is especially true when the volume and quality of information is so compelling. 

Valuable resource, but it needs to be read with a certain level of skepticism. At the same time, it’s necessary to bring an openness that allows you to appreciate the multiple perspectives being shown.