UCF's John Bol Embraces Unorthodox Free Throw Shooting Form

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UCF's John Bol, a 7-foot-2 sophomore center, has gained attention for his unique free throw shooting form. Abandoning the traditional two-handed approach, Bol uses a bizarre, one-armed flick that involves twisting the ball back toward his body before releasing. While his form has been criticized, the unconventional mechanics have helped Bol improve his free throw percentage from 50% as a freshman to a respectable 68.1% this season.

Why it matters

Bol's transformation from a bench-warmer to a legitimate interior threat has been a key factor in UCF's success this season. His ability to knock down free throws late in games has made him a valuable asset for the Knights, despite his unorthodox shooting form.

The details

Bol struggled with the 'yips' and a 50% free throw percentage as a freshman at Ole Miss. To simplify his mechanics and remove the extra variables of his 7-foot-9 wingspan, he adopted the one-handed motion. The results have been impressive, as Bol has improved his free throw shooting to 68.1% this season, becoming a reliable late-game presence for the Knights.

• Bol struggled with a 50% free throw percentage as a freshman at Ole Miss.
• Bol adopted the one-handed free throw motion prior to the 2026 season.