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 Louisville, 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.