diff --git a/mods/CORE/mcl_explosions/init.lua b/mods/CORE/mcl_explosions/init.lua
index d7a8b7e87..5bc63e2b3 100644
--- a/mods/CORE/mcl_explosions/init.lua
+++ b/mods/CORE/mcl_explosions/init.lua
@@ -347,7 +347,8 @@ local function trace_explode(pos, strength, raydirs, radius, info, direct, sourc
 					mcl_util.deal_damage(obj, damage, { type = "explosion", direct = direct, source = source })
 
 					if obj:is_player() or ent.tnt_knockback then
-						if obj:is_player() and mcl_shields and mcl_shields.is_blocking and mcl_shields.is_blocking(obj) then
+						local shield_dot = vector.dot(obj:get_look_dir(), vector.subtract(pos, opos))
+						if obj:is_player() and mcl_shields and mcl_shields.is_blocking and mcl_shields.is_blocking(obj) and shield_dot >= 0 then
 							obj:add_velocity(vector.multiply(punch_dir, impact * 10))
 						else
 							obj:add_velocity(vector.multiply(punch_dir, impact * 20))