Miami

The 'Miami' action is a multi-layered offensive play designed to create scoring opportunities through a combination of cutting, screening, and a Dribble Handoff (DHO). It typically begins with off-ball movement, often incorporating a UCLA Cut and back screen to occupy defenders and set up the primary action. The hallmark of the Miami play is a DHO between two players, often a guard and a big, which immediately flows into an attack on the rim for the ball handler. What makes the Miami special is its simultaneous secondary action. As the DHO initiates, an off-ball player, usually a skilled shooter, leverages a stagger screen on the weak side to pop out to the perimeter. This creates a dual threat: either the DHO ball handler drives for a layup or draws help, leading to a kickout pass to the now-open shooter coming off the stagger screen. The play forces the defense to make multiple rapid decisions, often leading to a breakdown in coverage and an open shot or layup.

The Miami play begins with Player 1 passing to Player 2 and executing a UCLA Cut and back screen. Player 2 then bounce passes to Player 5, who performs a retreat dribble and dribble handoff with Player 1. As Player 1 drives, Players 3 and 4 set a stagger screen for Player 2, who uses it to get open on the perimeter for a kick-out pass and a catch-and-shoot opportunity.