Shielding

"Shielding" is an unofficial technique where you use a Platform to protect your Balloons.
== Description ==
In order to Shield, you have to Hover under or fly continually into the bottom of a Platform, or the ceiling. The advantage of doing this is that Balloon Birds and other players cannot pop your Balloons as easily because of the Platform or the Ceiling which prevents them from getting above you and coming down. In some cases, this can render a player practically invincible unless they bounce low enough to create an opening.
However, when you are Shielding, you must be careful of Bouncing, Sparks, and Arrows. Sparks and Arrows, which come on-screen to motivate players to clear phases faster, can immediately kill the player. Bouncing, which is even more pronounced with one Balloon, can easily cause gaps in the player's protection, allowing enemies or other players to pop your Balloons.
In some games, such as Balloon Kid, this technique is mitigated by adding hazards to the ceiling, such as spikes or Bumpers. This is done in the Vs. Stage to prevent either player from shielding in most areas of the stage.
Category:Techniques