Positional Blocking

• Positional blocking -- also known as body blocking, frontal blocking or passive blocking -- is noncontact. The aim of positional blocking is to obstruct the path of the opposing player without using force. It save a lot of energy, is low-risk and allows the blocking player to remain in her stance, squatting squarely over her skates with her chest tucked in.
  
  

J Block

• The J block is an example of a block that uses the player's whole body. The player contracts into a squatting position by tightening his abdominal muscles, then springs shoulder first into the opposing player. This block need not send the opposing player flying to the ground. To conserve energy, the player using a J block may lessen the impact by using his shoulder to bump the other player out of the way.
  
  

Hip Check

• The hip check starts out like the J block. The player gets into a squat position, but this time springs forward hip first. This block causes the most impact with the least amount of effort, especially when directed toward a player's weak spot, the midthigh area. To perform this block, a player must be able to perform it and quickly recover. Players are strongest when centered over their roller skates; throwing a hip check takes them out of this balanced stance.
  
  

Can Opener

• The can opener is a way of blocking that throws a shoulder into the front of the opposing player. This can be tricky because players are always supposed to be squatting over their roller skates, with their chest folded over their thighs. To perform the can opener, a player must get lower than the opponent and quickly drive her shoulder upward into the chest of the other player. This hit will force the opponent out of her stance and may even knock her to the ground.