Shielding the ball from your opponent

When you have possession of the ball and the opponent is trying to chase it, you have to shield the ball if you cannot immediately pass or take the shot.
Depending on your position and the situation, there are different ways to shield.

One on one shielding

The easiest situation is one on one.
Position your own boat between your opponent and the ball. Keep the ball on the water adjacent to your knees or body.
The opponent isn’t allowed to touch your body to grab the ball, and if he tries pushing, you can simply brace yourself with the paddle, keeping the ball locked between paddle, arm and boat.

Your opponent will try to get his boat under yours to increase the pressure. if this happens, you can always take a turn, keeping your opponent sideways from you.

Shielding one versus two

Keeping the opponents on one side of your boat might be impossible. If they come at you from both sides, grab the ball in your hands.
If you have to take time and can’t immediately take the shot or pass, just hold the ball with two hands and hold it against your body. The opponent is not allowed to push you (there is a boat on the other side) and they can’t try to grab the ball (they will surely touch your arm and do illegal holding).