Back Shield

The Back Shield (, Back Shield) is a unique item from the series. It was introduced in Super Smash Bros. 4 and returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Origin
The Back Shield originated as an item in . Much like in SSB4, it temporarily protects Pit from enemy attacks from behind and it rotates with Pit to always be behind him.

As an item
As the name would suggest, the item protects the fighter's rear from harm. The shield lasts for 30 seconds, with time reduced based on how much damage it has taken (5 Home-Run Bat swings at 30% damage reduces it by about 5 seconds, for example). Some fighters can also take advantage of their back aerials as they won't be damaged from colliding with another fighter's attack. There is a slight push effect near the shield.

In Smash Tour
The Back Shield appears as a red item: when selected, it makes the user start a battle with the Back Shield equipped.

In-game description from Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
''This shield protects your back from various attacks. However, it'll break if it takes too much damage.''

As an item
The Back Shield returns in Ultimate. It retains its design and function from SSB4.

Spirits
While the Back Shield itself does not have a spirit, the item appears as an ability for the primary spirit Alm & Celica and the support spirits General Pepper, Alolan Exeggutor, Gyromite, Phyllis & Pelly, or Flow. Using any of the listed spirits will give the player a Back Shield at the start of a match.