Hoo Preview 2011: Hoos Hope For Improved 4-3

Coach Jim Reid hopes for defensive improvement in 2011 at Virginia.

When the 2010 season began, everyone expected there to be a transition period as the Cavaliers converted from the old 3-4 defense to a new 4-3 alignment. While the adjustments for the defensive secondary were minimal, the two biggest adjustments for the front seven was changing positions and getting away from the read-and-react mode of the 3-4 to the aggressive, attacking style of the 4-3.

The players certainly were able to grasp the concept of the 4-3 and the switch to one-gap responsibilities vs. the two-gap work of the 3-4. While the Hoos were able to implement the defense, however, the production, especially against the running game, never seemed to gel all season.

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