What is impact play in BDSM? If you’ve enjoyed a side of spanking with your sex, then you’ve already had a taste for impact play! But there is a whole world of other ways to make an impact, so let’s get exploring!
What Is Impact Play – Terms and More
There are many types of feelings, and other terms to cover too. When I say “thud”, I mean the kind of sensation that is deep, without much of a sting, as you would receive from a punch. When I say “sting”, I mean the kind of sensation that is more surface level, as you would receive from a slap. Both thuds and stings can vary depending on the tool used, but this is the general concept for both.
A Word on Consent and Safety
As with any kink play, consent is paramount. Make sure you and your partner discuss expectations, limits, and safe words before play, as well as any language to avoid or use (like pet names, or what to call your genitals, etc.). Specific to impact play, be sure to check in about how easily the receiver bruises/marks and what/where they’re comfortable to receive those. Also, negotiate whether this play is sexual or not for all parties involved, as BDSM activity is for physical (and mental) pleasure and does not have to be sexual; everyone should be on the same page. All levels of intensity in impact play are valid so long as the party getting hit enthusiastically consents. Those who wield should always utilize compassion and control in their hits, even when—especially when—the scene calls for high-intensity strikes. Be sure to check in about medical issues before play too.
Impact Play – BDSM Toys and Sensations
What toys are used in impact play? Beyond the tried-and-true hands and fists for slapping and punching, there are so many toys that have different sensations! On sensations: generally speaking, the wider or more dense the material used for impact, the thuddier the sensation. Be sure to keep impact play to meatier areas of the body—back, butt, back of thighs, and arms—before adventuring to more sensitive areas. Let’s work up in intensity, shall we?
Slaps and Spanks In BDSM
These are pretty self-explanatory. Slaps and spanks can range from feather-light to bruising, but this is generally the best place to start as a beginner. If you’re just starting out, don’t go for hard slaps on the face or genitals right away. I would work up to them by slapping other meatier body parts and finding what levels of intensity you can handle/desire first.
Spanks, of course, are on the butt. Most slaps/spanks are stingy, but depending on how you wield your hand, they can add a thuddy component. Read this fantastic rundown of face slapping techniques here (which is a good technique for slapping in general).
Punching and Kicking
A classic thud! As with slapping, be sure to stick to meatier parts of the body first and work up to harsher intensity. Those who punch and kick generally stick to the meatier parts anyway, but to each their own! Riding crops: a classic stingy sensation. These can be particularly fun for hitting the pads of feet and chest, along with the rest of typical zones of play.
BDSM Paddles
Paddles are thuddy and wonderful. Paddles can come in all kinds of materials, but wooden paddles are classic. Wooden paddles with holes in them are a sure way to pack more of a stingy punch. With the holes, the paddle has less surface area and less resistance as it moves through the air, making the impact sting.
Triple Slappers
Typically made of leather, this variety of toys definitely can give you that combined sensation of a thud with a sting, depending on the force. Rug Beaters: The name is self-explanatory, but this toy generally packs more of a thud than a sting. Depending on the material used, rug beaters can leave some significant marks (bruises) behind.
Kink And Flogging
Floggers can be made of rope, leather, plastic, rubber, or even metal. They have a handle with several strips of material hanging from it, all cut at the same length. The heavier the material (and the more densely gathered), the more you will have a thuddy sensation. For more details on materials and their effects, read this quick article here.
Whipping
Whips are not for beginners. I repeat, do not use a whip unless you know how to use one intimately. Single-tailed whips specifically are often considered a form of edgeplay and can be incredibly dangerous. Whips are a lot of fun, but one can easily scar the face, eye, or body part that was not meant to be hit. The person being whipped should also know their limits and have effective communication with safety words to end play should things get too intense (as with any kink play). Whips can be made of leather or nylon and read more about whip play here. Caning: Canes can be another very intense form of impact play. Again, the heavier the material, and the more surface area the toy has, the thuddier it will be. Be sure to stick to the meatier part of the body with this one.
Miscellaneous Toys
You can also get creative! My partner likes to hit me with all sorts of toys and kitchen utensils. Recently, our favorite has been a large cosplay sword sturdily made of dense foam, and WOW does it pack a punch! I love all the different sensations it has too. Being hit with the fat side, I get a good thwack to my back end as if being hit with a wooden paddle. And the edges provide more intense precision that has the effect of a cane, but is slightly softer (thanks foam) so I can handle more impact.
Other Tips
The internet can be your best friend when it comes to learning certain techniques. Don’t be afraid to type in “BDSM” next to the toy of choice and “technique”. This will ensure you’re not getting random technique videos. It’s also a good practice for those who wield the toys to know what each toy’s sensation is. Choosing reputable sources for educational videos is essential.
Be safe. This means you should be regularly trying things on your arm or leg before you wield a new toy on someone else. Also, know your surroundings. You don’t want to hit anything around you or get fluids on things that you’d rather not have fluids on. Lastly, remember that everything is at your own pace. Do not feel pressured into trying any form of impact play if you’re not ready for it. The play partners worth your time will understand and respect your boundaries.
A Few Notes From Parker Rose:
BDSM is fantastic, and there are many options for BDSM in Ann Arbor, kink in Detroit, BDSM in Royal Oak, and more. There are many classes and events available, and OpeningGateways provides top information about bondage and more. Looking for impact play classes in Ann Arbor? Reach out to OpeningGateways now. When it comes to BDSM in Michigan, there are many fantastic groups. OpeningGateways also hosts kink events in Ann Arbor. Check out the many fantastic blogs here, and learn more on how to get involved in the Michigan BDSM community. BDSM is on the Rise (read the blog on that here).
