What is Impact Play?
Impact play is a type of BDSM activity that involves striking the body with various objects or body parts, such as hands, whips, paddles, or floggers, in order to produce physical sensations and/or psychological stimulation. Impact play can be performed on different parts of the body, including the buttocks, back, thighs, and breasts.
The experience of impact play can range from mild to intense, and can include a variety of sensations such as stinging, burning, or throbbing. Some people enjoy the endorphin rush and adrenaline that comes with impact play, while others find it emotionally cathartic or meditative.
Implements for Impact Play
The sensations that are felt during impact play are generally described as either “stingy” or “thuddy” with some people having a preference for one or the other, or a mix of both. Different implements provide different sensations and different pain intensities. Softer implements are useful in “warming a person up” before moving on to more intense implements. There are wide range of purpose built impact play implement available from most adult shops. However, depending on your budget, you may find the perfect implements in everyday items such as spatulas, shoes, rules and belts.
Common Implements
- Floggers
- Paddles
- Slappers
- Whips
- Canes
On a budget
- Open palm (spanking)
- Spatulas
- Wooden spoons
- Belts
- Shoes
- Rulers
- Fly swatters
- Cutting boards
How to play safely
In order to engage in impact play safely, it’s important to establish clear communication and boundaries with your partner beforehand. Both partners should agree on the intensity of the play, the type of implements that will be used, and any physical limitations or health concerns that need to be taken into consideration.
As a general rule, it is safest to stick to the meatier parts of the body such as the bum and thighs. In order to avoid causing any serious harm, avoid the head, spine, tummy, and lower back when engaging in impact play.
It’s also important to use proper technique and to start slowly and gradually build up intensity. Impact play should be consensual and both partners should have a safe word or signal to stop the activity if it becomes too much to handle.
Aftercare, which involves providing physical and emotional support to your partner after the activity, is also an important aspect of engaging in impact play. This may include cuddling, providing water and snacks, or engaging in gentle physical touch or reassurance.
References
Healthline, (2020), A Beginner’s Guide to Impact Play, https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/impact-play, Accessed 15th March 2023.
Bad Girls Bible, (2022), Impact Play 101: What It Is & How To Try This BDSM Activity Safely, https://badgirlsbible.com/impact-play, Accessed 15th, March, 23
