Metallic bonds are the force of attraction between valence

electrons and the metal atoms. It is the sharing of many

detached electrons between many positive ions, where
the electrons act as a ”glue" giving the substance a
definite structure. It is unlike covalent or ionic bonding.

Metals have low ionization energy. Therefore, the

valence electrons can be delocalized throughout the
metals. Delocalized electrons are not associated with a
particular nucleus of a metal; instead, they are free to
move throughout the whole crystalline structure forming
a "sea" of electrons.

Metal bonds have at least one valence electron which

they do not share with neighboring atoms, and they do
not lose electrons to form ions. Instead, the outer energy
levels (atomic orbitals) of the metal atoms overlap. They
are similar to covalent bonds. Not all metals exhibit
metallic bonding.
The electron sea model is an oversimplification of
metallic bonding. Calculations based on electronic band
structure or density functions are more accurate.
Metallic bonding may be seen as a consequence of a
material having many more delocalized energy states
than it has delocalized electrons (electron deficiency), so
localized unpaired electrons may become delocalized
and mobile.
The electrons can change energy states and move
throughout a lattice in any direction.

Positively
Charged Ions

Delocalized / Free
(Valence) Electrons