I've always used a combination of training styles. Since a personal goal was- and remains- to keep the stem count low, I've been reluctant to use SOG techniques.
The techniques I used were a combination of topping and bending/tying down. My aim was to create 4- no more, no less- side branches from the main stem, and then tie those down as they grow out maybe 4-6". Top them, so they in turn produce a couple of buds, and allow the whole plant to grow up a bit. With practice- and continually working with the same strain so I could be consistent- I was able to grow a plant that was maybe 15" tall from the soil surface and had 16-30 good cola sites, all at the same height. The plant would end up about 30-36" across, the size of a trash can lid! You could SCROG that if you wanted, I used twine and tape to tie them down (now, I use twine and vine clips because they're more reliable and reusable).
You'll find that the plant has a lot of scraggle and yellowing leaves down low. I get rid of it, since what you're looking for is the plant to direct its energy up to where the good top colas are, in the light. If you're doing it right, the plant will eventually take on something of a saucer shape, about 8-10" deep top to bottom, with only stems below that.
The reason I do it is to keep the plant's fruiting tops at the same height relative to one another, so I could hang my hood at the optimum distance from the canopy. No more burning the tippy top, and watching popcorn grow in the shade! Your yields will explode, and your wallet and head stash will both thank you.
