The first technique is a simple, straight forward action as i assume all of these techniques will be. The techniques in question, although simple in nature, can be quite complex as all of these can easily be manipulated as will anytime in the battle and anywhere depending on where the technique lands. As stated previously, ''anywhere,'' references the fact that if this misses, the pillar i mean, it could easily unknowingly to the opponent, if they've never fought a sand user before, form another or multiple behind or even around the said opponent depending on where the Gold Dust lands during the battle.
Example:
Rasa would form a horizontal, medium sized pillar to form above him with his Gold dust manipulation skills he forces the pillar to shoot swiftly forward towards the opponent.
If the opponent dodges this
The pillar misses, hitting a structure behind the opponent the Gold dust pillar dissipates into a regular Gold sand pile. Rasa without hesitation forms another pillar but vertically from the previously used sand that was once the sand pillar at said structure, shooting the pillar back towards himself it would also head towards the opponent at the same interval.
The second technique is as it says, a basic shield like jutsu that blocks incoming damage, i'd probably form spikes at the end of the shield if the opponent would close distance with the character as Gaara did in the original series.
Example:
Rasa forms a shield to block the incoming attack directed towards him from the opponent at hand.