Poker Understanding the blocking bet

So here's a concept I had some trouble with. I've heard it referenced in poker videos and hand analysis, but I didn't really grasp the concept (nor have I consistently done this).

The general definition is that a blocking bet is a postflop action, when you are out of position (i.e., first to act). You bet, usually a small amount, with the intention of keeping your opponent, in position, from making a larger bet.

What do you consider the strategy behind a blocking bet? Do you do this? In what situations? How successful is it for you?

Source.

 

Let's say you hand has value (at the end), but it might be beat, and like yourself you are out of position. Knowing if you check, your opponent will bet if they have you beat or not, it stands to reason you missed. So think about a bet they could make that YOU would call. Maybe it's $3, so you lead out into them (blocking bet). they raise, you found out what you wanted, you fold. They fold you win, they believe you have them beat, even though you don't, and fold, you win.

you risk little, pressure is on them, if they do want to raise it's $9-12 since you bet, so they might call and you win when they have ace high air too.

Take it another way, you check they bet $6 or $7, you won't call that and you might have them beat, but you gave yourself no way to win.

gl