In very general terms, there are 3 main techniques used. You want to be able to hop between tactics instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This comprises of assembling a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as thick as you are able to manage, to barricade in the opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate course of action at the begining of the game. You can assemble the wall anyplace within your 11-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This involves locking your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your opposer on the bar. e.g., if your challenger rolls an early two and shifts one checker from your 1-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you can play six/one 6/1 eight/three 8/3. Your competitor is now in big-time difficulty seeing that they have two pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s inner board. (An anchor spot is a position consisting of at a minimum two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are significantly behind as it much improves your opportunities. The best locations for anchors are towards your competitor’s smaller points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is crucial for a powerful backgame: at the end of the day, there is no reason having two nice anchor spots and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your competitor is getting their pieces home, taking into account that you do not have any other additional pieces to shift! In this situation, it’s more tolerable to have pieces on the bar so that you might maintain your position until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it can be a good idea to attempt and get your challenger to hit them in this case!