The U.S. women’s team won back-to-back gold medals at the FIL World Cup in England and the IWGA World Games in Poland behind a signature style of play that was high tempo and high pressure.

Whenever goalies called out “Bingo,” the defense swarmed. Defenders forced their attackers out, and if the ball carrier advanced near the goal line, the U.S. goalie would step out of her crease to double team.

Goalie Gussie Johns learned the tactic from Devon Wills, the three-time World Cup gold medalist and her coach at USC. When Team USA progressed from World Cup to World Games this summer, Wills played the field as a defender, with Johns between the pipes.

“I’ve done it in practice at USC, because she would step in and do scout team with us,” Johns said. “We had so much trust in each other. That’s the most important thing between a goalie and her defensive team.”

The Bingo Double

1. Communicate. Tell the defender to force out the attacker when the ball is above GLE and to force the attacker to turn her hips as she nears the crease.

2. Approach. Once the attacker crosses GLE, the defender forces her to X. Come out of the crease at a 45-degree angle. Don’t overrun the attacker.

3. Alert the other defenders. Yell “lock” or “bingo” so they are ready to knock down or intercept a pass.

4. Make contact with your defender. Seal the double-team by making a V with your feet with your teammate.

5. Set the trap. Since your goalie stick is bigger, keep it at a 45-degree angle to avoid the cross check. Don’t try to check the attacker’s stick. Leave that up to the defender. Hold your position.

6. Retreat if needed. If the attacker splits the double, run back to your crease immediately. Let the defense know the ball is out. Avoid empty-net goals.