In very general terms, there are 3 basic techniques used. You need to be agile enough to switch tactics quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of creating a 6-thick wall of pieces, or at a minimum as deep as you can achieve, to block in your competitor’s pieces that are located on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most adequate strategy at the start of the match. You can create the wall anyplace inbetween your 11-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This involves closing your home board as fast as possible while keeping your competitor on the bar. e.g., if your opponent tosses an early two and shifts one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a five-five, you are able to play 6/1 6/1 8/3 8/3. Your opponent is now in serious dire straits due to the fact that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your inner board!
The Backgame
This tactic is where you have 2 or more anchors in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point occupied by at least two of your pieces.) It must be used when you are extremely behind as it much improves your opportunities. The better places for anchors are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point in between. Timing is important for an effectual backgame: after all, there is no point having two nice anchors and a solid wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break down this right away, while your challenger is moving their checkers home, seeing that you don’t have other extra checkers to move! In this situation, it’s better to have checkers on the bar so that you might maintain your position up until your opposer gives you a chance to hit, so it may be a wonderful idea to try and get your competitor to get them in this case!