Blocking with a Prodical pyromancer

510.2. Second, all combat damage that’s been assigned is dealt simultaneously. This turn-based action doesn’t use the stack. No player has the chance to cast spells or activate abilities between the time combat damage is assigned and the time it’s dealt. This is a change from previous rules.

So, if I'm reading this right, you can't tap a pinger while it is blocking and have it deal its combat and ping damage.

-First, you declare the Pyromancer as a blocker.

-Second, you tap it to deal 1 damage to a target.

-Third, combat damage resolves and the Pyromancer deals combat damage equal to it's power.

I think the confusion is that yes, the Pyromancer can not ping after combat damage has been dealt, because the Pyromancer is dead. But, you are able to cast spells and activate abilities after blockers have been declared, before combat damage is assigned.

Quote :

506.1. The combat phase has five steps, which proceed in order: beginning of combat, declare attackers, declare blockers, combat damage, and end of combat. The declare blockers and combat damage steps are skipped if no creatures are declared as attackers or put onto the battlefield attacking (see rule 508.5). There are two combat damage steps if any attacking or blocking creature has first strike (see rule 702.7) or double strike (see rule 702.4).