Pull-Up Frequency

Pull-up frequency is an advanced basketball tracking statistic that measures how often a player attempts pull-up jump shots as a percentage of their total field goal attempts or possessions. A pull-up shot is defined as any jump shot taken while the shooter is in motion, typically off the dribble, as opposed to catch-and-shoot attempts where the player receives a pass and shoots without dribbling. This metric provides crucial insight into a player's offensive style, self-creation ability, and role within team offensive schemes. Pull-up frequency has become increasingly important in modern basketball analytics as teams seek to understand shot selection patterns and optimize offensive efficiency. The technical definition of a pull-up shot involves specific criteria tracked by advanced player tracking systems like SportVU and Second Spectrum. These optical tracking platforms identify pull-up attempts by analyzing whether the player possessed the ball before shooting, whether they took dribbles immediately prior to the shot, and whether they were in motion when releasing the ball. The technology distinguishes pull-up shots from catch-and-shoot attempts, post-up shots, and other shot types, enabling accurate categorization across thousands of attempts throughout a season. This precise tracking provides reliable data for calculating pull-up frequency and analyzing shot selection patterns. Pull-up frequency varies dramatically based on player position, role, and skill set. Elite shot creators like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving typically show high pull-up frequencies, often taking 40-60% or more of their shots as pull-ups. These players possess exceptional ball-handling skills, shooting touch, and ability to create separation from defenders, making pull-up shooting a foundational element of their offensive games. Conversely, role players who specialize in spot shooting, such as catch-and-shoot specialists like Joe Harris or Duncan Robinson, show much lower pull-up frequencies, perhaps 10-20% or less, as their value comes from shooting off the catch rather than creating their own shots. The evolution of pull-up shooting in basketball reflects broader strategic trends in the sport. Historically, pull-up shots were considered less efficient than shots at the rim or catch-and-shoot attempts, leading coaches to discourage excessive pull-up shooting except from elite scorers. However, modern basketball has seen increasing acceptance and even encouragement of pull-up shooting for several reasons. First, elite shooters like Stephen Curry have demonstrated that pull-up three-pointers can be highly efficient weapons when taken by skilled shooters. Second, pull-up shooting provides crucial pressure relief when offenses struggle to generate open catch-and-shoot looks against sophisticated defenses. Third, the threat of pull-up shooting opens driving lanes and creates better spacing, as defenders cannot sag off ball-handlers. Pull-up frequency directly correlates with a player's usage rate and role as an offensive initiator. Primary ball-handlers tasked with creating offense in isolation or pick-and-roll situations naturally accumulate higher pull-up frequencies. These players dribble into their spots, read defensive coverage, and pull up for shots when defenders go under screens, back off to prevent drives, or fail to contest aggressively. The ability to score efficiently on pull-up attempts makes players extremely difficult to defend, as defenders cannot simply play for one outcome. Elite pull-up shooters force defenders into impossible situations where defending the drive opens pull-up opportunities and vice versa. Shot location significantly impacts pull-up frequency and efficiency. Pull-up mid-range shots, once a staple of basketball offense, have declined in frequency across the league as analytics revealed their relative inefficiency compared to threes and shots at the rim. However, elite mid-range pull-up shooters like DeMar DeRozan, Chris Paul, and Kevin Durant continue finding success with these shots, particularly in late-clock and playoff situations where defenses limit more efficient options. Pull-up three-pointers have increased dramatically in frequency, especially as players like James Harden, Damian Lillard, and Trae Young demonstrate elite efficiency on these high-value attempts. The shift toward pull-up threes over pull-up mid-range shots exemplifies how analytics influences shot selection trends. Defensive schemes heavily influence pull-up frequency for individual players and teams. Against drop coverage in pick-and-roll defense, where the big defender sags back toward the rim, pull-up opportunities open up at the foul line and three-point line. Players who can exploit drop coverage with pull-up shooting put enormous pressure on defenses, forcing adjustments that open other offensive options. Against switching defenses that aim to eliminate pull-up opportunities by keeping defenders attached to ball-handlers, players must use superior ball-handling and athleticism to create pull-up looks. Against aggressive hedge-and-recover schemes, pull-up opportunities may emerge if the hedging defender is slow recovering to the roller. Understanding these defensive dynamics explains variance in pull-up frequency across different games and matchups. Pull-up shooting efficiency relative to catch-and-shoot efficiency varies by player and shot location. Generally, catch-and-shoot attempts convert at higher percentages than pull-up attempts, as catch-and-shoot shots typically come from better spacing with feet set and less defensive pressure. However, elite pull-up shooters can approach or even match their catch-and-shoot efficiency on pull-up attempts, particularly from three-point range. Players like Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant shoot similar percentages on pull-ups and catch-and-shoot attempts, though most players show meaningful efficiency drops on pull-ups. This efficiency gap explains why teams generally prefer creating catch-and-shoot opportunities when possible, while relying on pull-up shooting when necessary or when elite pull-up shooters have advantageous situations. Player development programs increasingly emphasize pull-up shooting, recognizing its value in creating offensive versatility. Young players work on pull-up shooting mechanics, including gathering the ball smoothly off the dribble, maintaining consistent shooting form while in motion, and developing quick releases to shoot over contests. Training includes pull-ups off various actions, such as pick-and-roll, isolation, and transition. Players also develop decision-making skills about when to pull up versus when to continue attacking or pass. The ability to shoot pull-ups competently, even for role players, creates offensive optionality that makes players more valuable and difficult to defend. Pull-up frequency data helps teams optimize shot selection and offensive strategy. Analytics departments identify which players should increase or decrease pull-up frequency based on efficiency numbers. If a player shoots pull-up threes at 38% or better, coaches might encourage more pull-up attempts, as this efficiency level produces excellent points per shot. Conversely, players shooting pull-up mid-range shots at 40% generate lower points per shot than many alternatives, potentially warranting reduced pull-up mid-range frequency. These data-driven insights inform coaching decisions about shot selection priorities and offensive system design. The relationship between pull-up frequency and pace of play creates interesting dynamics. Faster-paced teams generate more transition opportunities where pull-up shots often emerge as defenders scramble back and offenses attack before defenses set. Slower-paced teams may see more pull-up attempts in late-clock situations when initial offensive actions fail to produce better looks. Teams with multiple elite pull-up shooters can play faster or slower effectively, as they can generate efficient shots through pull-ups regardless of pace. This versatility provides strategic advantages, particularly in playoff basketball where pace slows and half-court execution becomes paramount. Pull-up frequency in transition versus half-court situations differs significantly. Transition pull-ups often come against scrambling defenses with poor positioning, creating higher-efficiency opportunities. Players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard excel at transition pull-up threes, sprinting ahead in transition and rising for quick pull-ups before defenses recover. Half-court pull-ups typically face more organized defensive resistance, though elite shot creators still find success through superior skill. Breaking down pull-up frequency by situation provides more nuanced understanding of player abilities and shot selection patterns. The impact of pull-up shooting on defensive strategy extends beyond individual possessions. Teams must game-plan specifically for elite pull-up shooters, designing defensive schemes to limit their pull-up opportunities while accounting for their other offensive skills. Defenders might play more aggressively to prevent pull-ups, accepting risk of getting beaten off the dribble. Teams might switch defenders to put longer, more disruptive defenders on pull-up threats. These defensive adjustments create opportunities for teammates, as help defenders shift focus to stopping elite pull-up shooters. The gravity created by dangerous pull-up shooters thus benefits entire offensive systems. Pull-up frequency continues evolving as players develop new skills and coaches implement innovative strategies. The increasing prevalence of pull-up three-pointers, especially deep three-pointers beyond 25 feet, represents the latest evolution in pull-up shooting. Players expanding their pull-up range to 30 feet or beyond create unprecedented offensive advantages, as defenders must guard much more court space. This evolution in pull-up shooting continues pushing basketball toward greater spacing and shot creation creativity, with pull-up frequency serving as a key metric for tracking these strategic developments.