The 12-Woman Ride uses the goalie as an active part of the ride, creating a 12v11 situation.

The goalie matches up with the lowest attacker, while the extra player is used to chase the ball, apply pressure, and help trap the clearing team.

How It Works

The goalie comes out and matches up with the lowest attacker.

The extra player in the ride is responsible for putting pressure on the goalie.

She initially sinks and mirrors the goalie, playing a cat-and-mouse game.

As soon as the goalie steps out, the rider applies high pressure.

Everyone else continues using the same concepts as a standard woman-to-woman ride:

  • Shut off easy outlets.

  • Prevent attackers from getting open.

  • Communicate switches.

  • Put pressure on the ball.

  • Look for opportunities to double.

  • Trap the ball along the sideline.

Communicate the Switch

Switching remains important even with the extra player.

For example, if the player you're behind cuts up and another teammate is already covering that space, communicate the switch so the easy pass isn't available.

The goal is to make the clearing team uncomfortable and prevent simple outlets.

Trap the Ball

The extra rider can become especially useful once the ball is moved away from the goalie.

If the goalie successfully makes a pass to a quick outlet, the player who was pressuring the goalie can immediately run to the sideline and help trap the ball.

This creates an additional layer of pressure on the ball handler.

When to Use the 12-Woman Ride

The 12-Woman Ride can be used when you need possession, but it doesn't have to be reserved for the end of a game.

You can also use it against a goalie who has difficulty clearing the ball.

If the goalie struggles to make decisions or find outlets, putting high pressure on her while shutting off the other options can force mistakes.

The clearing team may panic, the goalie may be forced to move with the ball, or the offense may get an opportunity to check the ball away.

Keep the Pressure High

The purpose of the 12-Woman Ride is to make the clearing team think on the fly.

Whether the team is struggling to pass the ball or run it up the field, the 12-Woman Ride adds high pressure and forces the clearing team to work harder to advance the ball.

The goal is simple:

Pressure the goalie. Shut off the easy outlets. Chase the ball. Trap it when you can.