Do you think of exciting games in which thrilling strokes play a role? Perhaps an image of a whip and a St Andrew’s cross comes to mind. It’s possible that you have a similar fantasies, where you lie naked in the dungeon with your arms suspended from a rope above your head and your partner decides which instruments to use, be it a paddle, a whip, a riding crop or his hand. Impact play is a BDSM practice in which one person is touched by another in a stimulating way. This is usually repeated and can be varied. Intensive touch can be considered impact play, which is in the RACK area. There are individuals who enjoy a variety of spanking practices, from light spanking play to more intense whipping.
Wherever you are on the spectrum, whether you prefer light spanking or are looking for a more intense experience, impact play can be part of your exciting sex life. There is much to learn, try and enjoy in impact play, regardless of your personal preferences and inclinations.
Why do you do impact play?
Impact play can cause the person being hit to feel pleasure pain. Which leads to a euphoric state caused by the release of endorphins and other pleasure hormones, as well as stress hormones such as adrenaline. The performer, also known as the top, can enjoy the feeling of power. The sensations of impact play, also known as spanking, depend on the target area and the tool used. Wider tools such as the open hand, paddle or flogger often produce a dull sensation. Narrower tools such as a cane, riding crop or whip are more likely to produce a sharp pain.
It is important that the bottom is relatively relaxed so that both can enjoy the experience. The intensity should be gradually increased. The top should watch the bottom’s reactions carefully and adjust the strokes accordingly. For example, if the bottom suddenly tenses its body after a blow, the intensity or frequency should be reduced.
The reasons for needing this type of kink vary from person to person. In fact, Impact Play can address different aspects of the individual’s kink. This type of play focuses on creating a recognisable impact on the body and psyche, with the word ‘impact’ highlighting the meaning of ‘impact’ or ‘effect’.
Possible areas
Related to this are as follows:
- Sadism and Masochism: There are people who enjoy Impact Play to either feel pain or cause pain. Depending on whether they are sadists or masochists. For many kinksters, it makes a difference whether they prefer stabbing or throbbing pain. While others love pain in general, regardless of the type.
- Discipline: In power relationships within a relationship, impact play, whether spanking, whipping or flogging, can serve as a test for the bottom or sub to see how long they can take the pain before reacting, whether by screaming, moving or otherwise.
- Punishment and Funishment: In some power exchange relationships, Impact Play serves as a punishment for misbehaviour .Such as rule violations, missed tasks or naughty behaviour. It can be understood both as inflicting unwanted pain on the willing party, such as a red bottom or welts, and as a pleasurable “punishment” where respect is present and the strokes are earned as a pleasurable experience.
- Humiliation: Demotion fetishes can take various forms, from boot licking to crawling and begging. Sluts can be demotivating for people who don’t want to feel like a “bad boy”. While demeaning can be fun for some of us, tops and doms should be aware that certain actions can trigger unpleasant memories and feelings. And therefore communicate regularly with their partners when impact play takes place as part of demeaning play.
Types of impact play
There are different forms of impact play. And everyone can have their own preferences, such as spanking, while other forms are less interesting. Before the top (or dominant) spanks his partner, he should have experienced and developed an understanding of how it works. Pillows, beds and other non-human surfaces are good places to start.
Safety words and gestures are essential in all Impact Play. There is a risk of real physical injury and the sub (or submissive) must be able to stop a scene or play if it does not feel right. Gestures such as dropping an object, snapping or even stamping a foot are necessary if the sub is gagged or cannot speak or make noise for other reasons. Dominants should not be afraid to stop a scene even if the sub is still willing. If there are safety concerns or the sub’s well-being, it is better to stop and take care of him/her.
Spanking
A common form of impact play is spanking. It can be used either during the intimate act or as a form of punishment within power relationships. While most spankings are done by hand, there are also various other devices, such as:
- Leather belts
- Wooden cubes
- Paddle
- Hairbrush
- Paddles and slappers
Basically, anything that has a flat edge and can be held in the hand can be used to spank someone.
Spanking Tips
If you are new to the world of spanking, start with your hand. Start by gently stroking your partner’s bottom. This will signal to him that you will soon begin the actual spanking. In my experience, a gentle touch reminds your partner that this is voluntary or even affectionate. Then place your palm on your partner’s bottom. You can choose any cheek, it is not about hitting with full force immediately. Firstly, your hand will tire more quickly and secondly, it may be too much for your partner, which could lead to them using the safeword to stop the activity sooner than they would like. So go slowly.
Vary where you place your hand. If the skin starts to turn pink, you can increase the speed or intensity. If you want to create red marks or an intense sensation, you can also apply a few (or more) strokes to the same area. Pay attention to your partner’s body language. If he pulls back, cries or makes sounds that don’t sound like pleasure, ask him if you should continue. If the intensity becomes too much, slow down. Many people use a colour system:
- Green means “keep going”.
- Yellow means slow down.
- Red means “stop”.
If you and your partner feel more comfortable with spanking, you can also include other tools such as a paddle or hairbrush in your game.
Flogging
Whipping is a form of impact play where you can hit your partner on different parts of their body and create different sensations depending on the technique and type of whip. There are different types of floggers, such as:
- Suede flogger
- Leather flogger
- Silicone flogger
- Paracord flogger
- Rubber flogger
Before you start whipping someone, we recommend watching videos, taking a class at a local club or dungeon, and first work on pillows or the bed. Never hit with full force until you have learned how to use the flogger correctly. The basic technique involves rotating the wrist in a figure-eight motion while the stripes move across the body. If you feel more confident, you can also use the Florentine method, using a flogger in each hand. Your partner can be on the bed, against the wall, over a table or even in front of a St Andrew’s cross. The important thing is that you have access to his body and enough space to swing the whip.
The intensity of the whipping can vary from gentle strokes to intense pain. Depending on the preferences of you and your partner. Slow and steady strokes create a deep, dull sensation, while fast and sharp strokes create a stinging sensation. By varying the speed and intensity, you can give your partner a varied experience. It is also important to consider where you are thrusting. The back is the most common area for whipping, but with enough practice you can also consider the chest, thighs or even the genitals (with caution!). However, avoid the sides of the body and the abdomen as you could cause serious injury to the internal organs.
Whipping
Whipping involves applying whips to your partner with an object, such as a leather whip, while holding the handle and moving your wrist and arm. Since whips can cause welts, cuts or even bleeding, it is important to use the whip on a pillow, bench or doll rather than directly on a person’s body until you feel comfortable. One of the most popular types of whip is the bullwhip, which is long enough to wrap around a person’s body. Due to the potential danger to internal organs, it is advisable to learn from experienced people before playing with a bullwhip on your partner. Other types of whips include:
- Dragon tail: A popular choice for beginners as it is easy to handle and control.
- Stick whip: With a long handle that allows you to swing it like a fishing rod to create a popping sound.
- Quirt: Similar to a stick whip, but smaller and with a fork-like tail at the end. Ideal for beginners.
- Snake Whip: A single, braided whip that resembles the scales of a snake.
As with any percussion instrument, the intensity and type of pain depends on how hard and fast the whip hits the body. A safe word should always be agreed for all hitting games, but especially when using a whip, as injuries can be a real danger. Cuts and bleeding are realistic possibilities. Make sure you know how to hold the whip properly, maintain the required distance, move your wrist correctly and strike your partner to cause pain without hurting them.
Caning
Caning involves the use of a cane, which is a long cylindrical rod that is used to hit the body in large muscle areas, sometimes the soles of the feet and other parts of the body. Like other impact toys, it can be made of different materials: Bamboo, wood, plastic. There are cane sticks in different lengths, from 30 or 40 cm up to several metres.
The attraction of the cane is that it makes the discomfort and burning pain intensely palpable on a specific part of the body, usually the buttocks. The cane can leave permanent marks and bruises, even if fewer strokes or force are used compared to other toys. If your partner is sensitive to pain and can only take a few strokes, you can build in other sensations between them or save them until the end of your game or session and finish with a few quick strokes. Those who really enjoy the pleasure of the cane can use it for as long as you and your partner can stand it. The beauty of the cane is that even a small amount can go a long way.
Slapping and boxing
This practice of impact playis rather less common, which is probably related to the stigma associated with this type of action, as well as our socialisation and how we learn to treat other people. A slap is a blow with the open hand, while a punch is with the closed fist. Neither should be delivered in anger or without consent, just as with all other forms of slapping.
A quick slap on the cheek can get your partner’s attention or cause a physical reaction throughout the body. If you are the one slapping, you can stroke your partner’s cheek beforehand to signal what is about to happen. If you are the one being slapped, we recommend that you relax your jaw when you think a slap is about to follow. A tense jaw makes it more painful and can cause your teeth to chatter.
- The area along the back and shoulders, in the muscles next to the spine. Avoid hitting anyone on the spine.
- The buttocks
- The thighs – back and front
- The calves
- The arm
- The chest – for people with breasts, this is likely to be done over them; however, slings can be used on sensitive breasts.
You are more likely to hit your partner on the back and buttocks than on other parts. Pay attention to your partner’s verbal signals and observe their reaction. As with other forms of impact play, you should avoid the sides and belly, as this is where the internal organs are located. It’s also important to take things slowly and practice on your own leg or a pillow before you stroke your partner for the first time.
What to look for in impact play
Impact play not only affects the body, but also the mind. It can happen that during or after an intensive session of Impact Play a person is affected by a drop, i.e. a mental crash. This can occur both in the person who was hit and in the person who did the hitting, due to feelings of guilt or shame. It is therefore important to be aware of the different mental levels of the play partners and to do intensive aftercare after the play.
Aftercare
Aftercare is an indispensable part of any intense game, especially in Impact Play. Your partner may have been hit with an object or by hand and may have entered a subspace state in which their consciousness is disrupted. Marks may remain on the skin and muscle pain may occur. In addition, there may be emotional challenges caused by the blow, pain or experience.
Aftercare is all the more important.
Everyone needs individualised aftercare, but the basic elements are something to drink, a blanket, physical comfort and attention, and communication, even if your partner may not yet be able to respond. As everyone is unique, needs may vary – for example, your partner may want a cuddly toy instead of a blanket, or may not want to talk until they are ready. Music may also be helpful. If you are new to the game and not sure what aftercare should look like, start with the basics.
Dominants and tops should check in with their partner a few hours later and the next day to make sure the bottom or sub is doing well mentally and physically. The surrender is a profound experience and there may be bruising, abrasions or pain the next day.
Impact play, like other forms of kinky pleasure, can be as big or small, wild or quiet as you like. You can spank your partner with a wooden spanker or go to the leather shop and look for whips. Try different spanking techniques. Whatever interests you and your partner, it’s out there to be explored. The most important thing is to take it slowly, be safe and be willing to experiment.
Which body parts not to beat!
It is important that the person hitting has at least basic anatomical knowledge and knows which parts of the body are safe to hit and how hard. For safety reasons, blows should be aimed at areas of the body that are adequately protected by fat or muscle. Certain areas such as the kidneys, neck, tailbone, hip bones, head and joints should be absolutely off-limits.
The common targets for slashes are usually the buttocks and the areas of the upper back below the shoulder blades. With caution, the thighs, calves and chest can also be considered. The chest is another potential target, but carries a higher risk and should only be included with experience.
Note for illnesses and medications
People with blood or metabolic diseases such as diabetes may not only be more sensitive but also have longer healing times. It is important to consider and check for any illnesses beforehand. There are also other factors that can influence whether and to what extent traces of the stroke play become visible and how quickly injuries heal. These include the use of hormone therapy, blood pressure lowering medication, menstruation, iron deficiency and the like. It is important to take these factors into account and adjust the intensity of play if necessary. Despite all precautions, there is still a small risk of deeper injury to organs and tissues. Although impact play is fun, it should still be enjoyed with caution.
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