Football Toolbox

Never Get Another Punt Blocked by Using This 3-Man Shield Protection

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This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.

Every special teams coordinator knows the sinking feeling of watching a punt get blocked – it’s a game-changing disaster that can demoralize your team and shift momentum in seconds.

In this video, Stu Holt, Special Teams Coordinator at Virginia Tech, demonstrates the exact techniques and coaching points of a battle-tested, foolproof 3-man shield punt protection.

Multiple Shield Punt Protection & Drills with Coach Holt is available only on Glazier Drive.

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When looking for a base punt protection system that’s sound, reliable, and gives you a chance to get the ball off every time with solid protection and coverage, this is the way to go – especially when implementing something new with your players.

Operation Time and Setup

  • We use both an operation timer (snap-to-punt) and hang timer on the field
  • Critical target: 2.0 seconds or better for operation time from snap to kick
  • Formation is “B formation” with closed formation on both sides

Protection Numbering System

  • Right side: R1 to R5 (outside to inside)
  • Left side: L1 to L5 (outside to inside)
  • We use “Red” for right calls and “Black” for left calls

Red Protection (Right Hash to Right Middle)

  • Right side (R1, R2, R3) mans up
  • Middle three (R4, R5, L5) form the shield
  • Left side blocks L4, L3, L2
  • L1 is allowed to release
  • Punter fits in the away-side A gap

Black Protection (Left Hash to Left Middle)

  • Mirror image of Red protection
  • Left side (L1, L2, L3) mans up
  • Middle three form shield
  • Right side blocks R4, R3, R2
  • R1 releases
  • Punter fits in left A gap

Special Situations

  • Against overload (6-man side), can either:
    1. Switch blocks with right guard
    2. Widen guard splits
  • Can check to opposite call for better blocking angles
  • “Base out” call available when returner is more than 5 yards from ball

Coverage Responsibilities

  • Ends are spill players/ball players
  • Backside end must protect and knock off backside defender
  • Call-side end can free release if more than 3 yards from tackle
  • Center has free release, never blocks
  • Guards and tackles fan out 5 yards
  • Shield players maintain outside contain
  • Personal protector is a ball player
  • Punter acts as safety

Personnel Considerations

  • Flexible based on available players
  • Can use big skill players (LBs/TEs) at guard/tackle
  • Shield can use smaller players if manning, needs bigger players if zoning
  • Normal splits are 2 yards for A and B gaps
  • Call-side end ideally 3+ yards wide
  • Back-side end aligns based on protection needs

This protection scheme is designed to be called from the sideline and serves as a reliable field protection system that can be easily taught and implemented.