Don't put SLU and Mizzou in the same category free-throw wise.
SLU is one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country.
It drives Ford crazy, in part because of what you just mentioned.
He can still step to the line and make them one after the other.
I think modern players think it's embarrassing to try alternative approaches like an underhanded free-throw shot.
I think it's more embarrassing to get fouled intentionally because opponents know you are going to miss.
French is a big guy. He rarely shoots from out there if it's not a free throw. That's not an excuse, but what is more confusing and frustrating are the team's guards, who can make 3-pointers but not free throws.
At some point it's a pride and practice thing.
A coach can't make his players make free throws. Ford is trying. Guys have to do it on their own and figure out how to take into a game.
Ford's players mostly make free throws in practice. Then the game starts, and it's like they've never been to the line before.
It's almost contagious.