Coach Amanda Butler admits that the Gators lack focus at the free-throw line right now.
However, a concrete solution to Florida’s current slump has eluded the six-year coaching veteran and former UF guard.
“I’m not sure, it’s kind of an individual thing,” she said. “If there’s a way to coach them better from the free-throw line, then I’ll certainly find it.”
Until the shots start falling again, the Gators’ only option for improvement has been repetition in practice.
Prior to a film session in preparation for Arkansas last week, multiple players were putting up shots from the free-throw line.
Butler has even had UF do some work outside of team activities, encouraging her players to practice foul shots on their own.
“We’re getting in the gym, and we’re shooting,” sophomore guard Jaterra Bonds said. “It’s all mental. When you get up there, it’s nobody’s fault but yours if you miss it, so it’s a mental thing.”
In its last two contests against No. 6 Kentucky and Arkansas, Florida shot just 45 percent from the free-throw line — 21.5 percent off its mark before those games.
After losses to the Wildcats and the Razorbacks, the Gators now have seven defeats by six points or fewer, magnifying the free-throw problem.
Part of the struggles may stem from the fact that UF’s last two games have been away from home.
Even though the team is in the midst of a three-game road trip — its longest of the season — Butler expects the shots to fall the same way.
“You’ve just got to be able to step up and be mentally tough and hit [free throws], especially in big moments, but really, the whole ball game,” Butler said.
Florida has two days to try and get back on track from the charity stripe before playing LSU on the road Thursday night in Baton Rouge, La.
Free throws played a significant role in the Gators’ first tilt against the Tigers, a 62-58 win on Jan. 15 in the O’Connell Center.
Making 9 of 13 foul shots — all in the second half — Florida was able to hold off a late LSU rally to secure its first home victory in Southeastern Conference play this season.
On the verge of elimination from regular-season SEC title contention, the Gators would welcome another 69.2 percent clip against the Tigers to help escape their recent rut.
According to Butler, Florida returning to its early-season form is a matter of confidence.
“We really have, I don’t think, a deficit in that area,” Butler said.
“Whatever happens is usually contagious, especially at the free-throw line. If one person’s hitting, it makes it a little bit easier for the next person to hit it.”
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
Coach Amanda Butler is trying to find a cure for her team's free-throw struggles. UF has lost two straight games by fewer than six points.
