How to Master Shielding & Protecting the Ball in eFootball

In eFootball, winning matches isn’t just about scoring goals – it’s about controlling the flow of the game. One of the most underrated yet powerful techniques is shielding and protecting the ball. If you want to dominate possession, frustrate your opponents, and create openings for lethal attacks, you need to master this skill.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to master shielding & protecting the ball in eFootball. From basic mechanics and button combinations to advanced tactics, you’ll learn the secrets that top players use to keep the ball safe under pressure.

Table of Contents

1. What is Shielding in eFootball?

Shielding is the act of using your player’s body to protect the ball from your opponent. Instead of relying solely on pace or dribbling, shielding allows you to:

Hold possession under pressure.
Slow down the game and wait for support.
Draw fouls from aggressive defenders.
Create time to look for passing or shooting opportunities.

In eFootball, shielding is essential when you’re in tight spaces, trying to run down the clock, or when you want to outmuscle defenders to keep control of the ball.

2. Why Shielding & Protecting the Ball Matters

Many players underestimate the value of shielding. They focus on flashy dribbles or quick one-touch passes but forget that sometimes the best move is simply holding the ball.

Here’s why mastering shielding is a game-changer:

🔒 Possession Retention – Keeps the ball away from defenders.
⚽ Build-Up Play – Gives your midfielders and forwards time to position themselves.
🕒 Time Management – Perfect for holding a lead in the final minutes.
🎯 Draw Fouls – A strong shield often forces defenders into fouling you.
🔄 Transition Control – Allows smooth transition from defense to attack.

In short, if you know how to protect the ball, you control the pace of the match.

3. Shielding Controls in eFootball

To learn how to master shielding & protecting the ball, you must first understand the in-game controls.

🔹 Console Controls

PlayStation (PS4/PS5): Hold L2 to shield the ball.
Xbox (Series X/S, One): Hold LT to shield the ball.

🔹 Mobile Controls

Tap and hold the shield button (often near the sprint button).
Combine with movement joystick to angle your player’s body.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just hold the shield button all the time. It’s most effective when used in bursts, especially when an opponent is pressing hard.

4. Timing: The Secret to Perfect Shielding

Shielding isn’t about holding the button the entire match. Timing is everything.

Anticipate Pressure: Use shielding when you sense a defender rushing in.
Stay Calm: Don’t panic; rushing to pass may cause mistakes.
Switch Stances: Angle your player slightly away from the defender.
Release at the Right Time: Once your teammate is in position, release the shield and pass.

Practicing these micro-movements will help you develop a natural feel for when to shield and when to pass.

5. Body Positioning & Player Attributes

Not every player is built the same. To really master shielding, you must understand how player attributes affect ball protection.

🔹 Key Stats for Shielding

Physical Contact: Determines how well a player resists challenges.
Balance: Prevents your player from being easily pushed off the ball.
Dribbling: Allows smoother turns while shielding.
Ball Control: Ensures the ball stays close when under pressure.
Strength: Crucial for winning shoulder-to-shoulder duels.

🔹 Best Players for Shielding

Some players are naturally built for shielding due to their size, strength, and ball control:

Romelu Lukaku – Dominant target man with immense strength.
Karim Benzema – Excellent at holding off defenders and creating space.
Didier Drogba (Legendary) – Perfect example of a striker who shields the ball brilliantly.
Patrick Vieira (Legendary) – Midfield enforcer who uses his body to control possession.
Sergio Busquets – Master of using positioning to shield and dictate play.

6. Shielding in Different Scenarios

Let’s break down how to use shielding in real in-game situations.

⚡ A. Shielding Under Pressure

When a defender presses from behind:

Hold L2/LT and angle your body away.
Keep your back to the opponent.
Use left stick to slowly turn in the direction of your support.
Pass when a teammate is open.

⚡ B. Holding the Ball in the Corner

Perfect for wasting time when you’re protecting a lead:

Move towards the corner flag.
Hold L2/LT and gently rotate the left stick to shield the ball.
Use feints or quick turns if the opponent tries to tackle.

⚡ C. Shielding Before a Pass

Shield briefly while waiting for your striker to make a run.
Time your pass when your teammate breaks free.
Avoid holding too long, or you risk losing the ball.

⚡ D. Shielding in Midfield

When surrounded in midfield:

Use shielding to stop, turn, and recycle possession.
Combine shielding with close control dribbling (R2/RT).
Look for safe passes backward instead of forcing forward balls.

7. Training Drills to Master Shielding

Here are some practical ways to improve your shielding skills in eFootball:

Drill 1: 1v1 Shadow Play

Invite a friend or use AI defenders.
Practice receiving the ball with your back to goal.
Hold L2/LT and practice turning away from pressure.

Drill 2: Corner Shielding Drill

Take the ball to the corner flag.
Hold off a defender while keeping possession.
Time your release to pass or win a foul.

Drill 3: Shield & Turn

Receive the ball with your back to the defender.
Shield, then use the right stick to perform a turn.
Pass or shoot immediately after creating space.

Drill 4: Time-Wasting Practice

In a custom match, simulate leading 1–0 in the 85th minute.
Practice shielding in the corners while maintaining possession.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many players misuse shielding. Here are the most common errors:

❌ Overusing Shielding – Holding L2/LT all the time makes your movement predictable.
❌ Shielding in Open Space – Don’t shield when no one is pressuring you. It slows down play unnecessarily.
❌ Using Weak Players – Don’t try shielding with players who lack strength or balance.
❌ Forgetting to Pass – Shielding is about buying time, not keeping the ball forever.
❌ Facing the Wrong Way – Always position your body between the ball and the opponent.

9. Advanced Shielding Tactics

Once you’ve mastered the basics, take your shielding to the next level.

🔥 A. Shield + Skill Combo

Shield the ball.
Quickly release and perform a feint or body feint.
This catches defenders off-guard and creates attacking chances.

🔥 B. Shielding in Tight Spaces

In crowded areas, use shielding with close control dribbling.
Rotate and pivot until a passing lane opens.

🔥 C. Shield & Turn Finisher

Shield near the penalty box.
Use your striker’s strength to hold off defenders.
Spin and shoot when the defender over-commits.

🔥 D. Shielding to Draw Fouls

When leading late in the game, position your body between the ball and opponent.
Force the defender to foul you, earning free-kicks in dangerous areas.

10. Tactical Uses of Shielding in Different Playstyles

Your playstyle in eFootball affects how you use shielding.

⚽ Possession Playstyle

Shield to recycle passes and maintain control.
Use midfielders like Xavi, Busquets, or Kroos.
Perfect for slow, controlled build-up.

⚡ Counter-Attack Playstyle

Shield with strikers to hold up the ball.
Wait for wingers to run behind before passing.
Great with strong strikers like Lukaku or Haaland.

🏃 Quick Counter Playstyle

Use shielding briefly to protect the ball, then release quickly.
Helps when your striker is waiting for a through ball.

🔄 Long Ball Playstyle

Essential for target men.
Shield the ball to bring midfielders into play.
Players like Drogba, Cavani, or Kane excel here.

11. How to Practice Shielding in Training Mode

eFootball’s Training Mode is the best place to refine your shielding.

Set up 1v1 scenarios against defenders.
Practice receiving high balls and shielding until teammates arrive.
Train against AI at different difficulty levels.
Focus on body positioning and timing, not just button-holding.

12. The Psychology of Shielding

Shielding isn’t only physical – it’s mental.

Frustrate Opponents: Constantly shielding the ball can tilt your rivals.
Force Mistakes: Impatient players will rush tackles and commit fouls.
Control the Tempo: Decide when to speed up or slow down the game.

Mastering shielding means controlling not just the ball, but the rhythm of the match.

13. Real-Life Examples of Shielding

Some of the best real-life players are also masters of shielding. Watch their movements and apply them in eFootball:

Didier Drogba: Used his strength to hold off defenders and create space.
Sergio Agüero: Shielded with his low center of gravity before quick turns.
Zinedine Zidane: Famous for his body feints and ball protection.
Lionel Messi: Uses close control and body positioning to protect the ball despite not being the biggest player.

Studying these players in real life can help you visualize how to apply shielding in eFootball.

14. Shielding Drills for Real Improvement (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a step-by-step routine to practice daily:

Warm-Up (5 mins):
- Enter training mode.
- Practice moving with the ball while holding shield.
1v1 Drill (10 mins):
- Set one AI defender.
- Practice receiving the ball and shielding for 5 seconds.
Pass & Move (10 mins):
- Shield for 2–3 seconds.
- Pass to a teammate and move into space.
Match Simulation (15 mins):
- Play a full match and focus only on shielding in midfield.
- Track how many times you keep the ball successfully.

By practicing consistently, shielding will become second nature.

15. Tips for Mastering Ball Protection

Here are some expert tips to help you perfect shielding and ball protection:

✅ Use the Sidelines: Press opponents against the touchline.
✅ Shield When Waiting: Don’t pass under pressure – hold the ball until safe.
✅ Mix It Up: Combine shielding with feints, turns, and passing.
✅ Know Your Player: Use strong, tall players for maximum efficiency.
✅ Stay Composed: Don’t panic when surrounded – shielding buys time.

16. Drills You Can Do in Real Life (for better in-game results)

Even though this is eFootball, practicing real-life shielding can improve your reflexes and game sense.

⚽ Partner Shielding Drill: Have a friend try to push you off the ball while you shield.
🏃 Wall Drill: Shield the ball against a wall, practice turning away.
🏋️ Strength Training: Squats, lunges, and core exercises improve shielding ability in real matches – and indirectly help you understand player attributes in-game.

17. Using Shielding to Dominate Online Matches

In online play, shielding can completely change the match.

🎯 Against Pressing Opponents: Use shielding to punish players who spam pressing.
⏳ In the Final Minutes: Protect the ball near the corners to secure wins.
🧠 Outsmarting Opponents: Make them commit fouls and waste time.
💡 Transition Play: Shield in midfield to slow down or accelerate attacks.

18. How Shielding Boosts Your Win Rate

If you’re serious about climbing the divisions, here’s why shielding is key:

You’ll lose possession less often.
You’ll frustrate impatient opponents.
You’ll control the flow of the game.
You’ll create more scoring chances.
You’ll be better at closing out tight matches.

Top pro eFootball players consistently use shielding – and now you can too.

19. Best Managers & Tactics for Shielding

Certain managers and formations maximize the power of shielding.

4-3-3 (Possession Managers like Guardiola-style tactics): Shield with midfielders before distributing.
4-2-3-1: Striker shields while wingers run in behind.
4-4-2: Target man shields, second striker makes runs.
5-3-2 (Defensive Counter): Use shielding to relieve pressure and hold possession.

20. FAQs About Shielding in eFootball

Q1: What’s the best button for shielding in eFootball?
👉 On PS: Hold L2, on Xbox: Hold LT, on mobile: use the shield button.

Q2: Does shielding work with all players?
👉 No. Strong, tall, and balanced players like Drogba, Lukaku, or Benzema are much better at shielding.

Q3: Can I use shielding in defense?
👉 Yes, you can shield the ball to protect it from attackers while waiting to clear or pass.

Q4: Is shielding effective online?
👉 Absolutely. It helps you keep possession, draw fouls, and frustrate opponents in Division matches.

Q5: How do I practice shielding in eFootball?
👉 Use Training Mode with AI defenders and focus on timing, body positioning, and passing after shielding.

Conclusion

Learning how to master shielding & protecting the ball in eFootball is one of the most important steps toward becoming a complete player. It’s not always about fancy skills or fast dribbles – sometimes, the smartest move is simply protecting the ball and waiting for the right moment.

By practicing shielding, using strong players, and applying tactical awareness, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your ability to control games, maintain possession, and dominate your opponents.

So next time you play eFootball, don’t just sprint forward – shield, protect, and dictate the tempo of the match. That’s how champions are made. ⚽🔥