Human Shield: The shield punt formation maximizes protection and coverage.

Protection is the most critical piece to a punt unit’s success. In pre-season camp, protection is the first area that is addressed. It is emphasized in every meeting, film session, and drill period, because there are few occurrences more deflating to a team than a blocked punt. The shield formation itself creates advantages, because it lengthens rush lanes and handicaps angles for the defense. The three-man shield, when executed properly, serves as a deflector for the block point that eliminates interior pressure. Every member of the unit is responsible in protecting, except the snapper. The guards, tackles, and ends are responsible for a man or a zone. In a man scheme, there is a count system that is used. It works from outside in, starting with one. Each side will get a number from the shield, communicating the total threats to that side of the formation. Based on that number, the