I want to talk about effective use of shield walls.

First, I want to say: I admire the courage that the shieldbearers (SB's) show each night and I hope they keep at it.

My input here is meant to offer value -not merely to criticize.

Let's watch this video and breakout down. https://twitter.com/MrOlmos/status/1294896664847634432

This formation is out of order.

The Frontline of a shield wall MUST be 2 deep AT LEAST and packed TIGHTLY. If you're behind a SB, your hands must be on their backs behind their shoulder blades. SB's must not crouch. More on stance later.

This wall is also has critical gaps.

The space behind the Frontline was already too empty -making it weak- but before the cops even get to the shields, you see the 2nd line retreating, abandoning the SB's and guaranteeing wall failure.

So, at this moment, one single cop shatters the formation with a really pretty unimpressive display of athleticism. SB's are too low to stop him from going right over them and into the gap left by the truant 2nd liners.

And just like that, the shield wall was pointless.

Everybody runs, leaving some allies behind, alone, *ON THE GROUND* in the midst of the advancing fascists. The one good thing in this pic is the SB behind the frontliner who is bracing their ally from behind, but it is WAY TOO LATE for that.

Woulda been good to see in pic 1.

The big takeaways here are:

1) A defensive formation is only as strong as it's cohesion.

2) Don't run from the cops when you're BEHIND an intact shield wall.

3) Practice makes perfect.

Regarding stance, DO NOT CROUCH. Crouching offers no strength and those behind you can't brace you.

Stand like this.