Impact play is a fun and complex part of BDSM

Impact play involves using hands or various objects, like paddles, whips, belts, or even items like books and cooking tools, to strike the body. These objects are often about the thickness of a wrist, enough to create a noticeable impact. The materials used can vary, but leather, metal, wood, and even hands or fists are most common.

Some people also use canes for impact play. This activity typically involves two participants: one who enjoys receiving the impact and another who enjoys delivering it. It’s also important to note that impact play can include kicks as well as slaps or hits.

Tips:

If you’re the one delivering the slap, focus on areas with more muscle or fat, like the thighs or buttocks. This helps avoid injury to vital organs, which can happen if you hit too hard, in the wrong spot, or at the wrong angle. For example, a slap to the lower back could potentially harm the kidneys.

It’s crucial to understand these risks when engaging in impact play. Always start gently. Don’t go straight into a full-force strike. Begin with a light tap and gradually increase intensity as you and your partner become more comfortable.

As I mentioned, hitting the wrong area can lead to serious injuries. It’s not just about damaging organs—strikes can cause open wounds, nerve damage, paralysis, concussions (if the head is struck). Also broken bones, suffocation, or even lactic acid poisoning, which can occur more easily than you might think. Exhaustion, dehydration, and loss of consciousness are also risks.

Your safety—and your partner’s—should always come first. Be mindful of these risks and take things slow when exploring impact play.

If you’re new to impact play, start with something simple. Use your hand or a belt, or even an object you already have around the house. Once you’re comfortable, you can gradually expand your collection with whips, paddles, and other tools designed for impact play.

The goal of impact play is to create deep tissue bruises that take time to heal—usually anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. This sets it apart from lighter activities like spanking or flogging. Impact play is specifically intended to leave marks. Start slowly with a gentle warm-up, and then gradually build up to more repetitive strikes. Think of it as a rhythmic pounding, similar to playing a drum, rather than causing harm or abuse.

Have an open line of communication

If you’re uncomfortable or not enjoying what’s happening, you need to be able to speak up whether that’s outright saying it or having a safe word with your partner. You should also have a conversation about limits beforehand and only engage in impact play like this with someone you TRUST. If you haven’t played with any kind of spanking, start there. There is NO harm in starting small and working your way up.

If you feel uncomfortable or aren’t enjoying the experience, speak up. You can say it directly or use a safe word with your partner. Before you begin, have a conversation about your limits. Only engage in impact play with someone you trust. If you’re new to spanking, start with that. There’s no harm in beginning small and working your way up at your own pace with impact play.

Learn more about consent and BDSM practices HERE!