Impact play is the act of one person hitting another consensually. The most common type of impact play is spanking, but there are many other types of impact play to enjoy, too.

It can involve using hands, feet, knees, or tools like paddles, floggers, or canes. While there might be a sexual element for some, others enjoy it purely for the physical sensations and the dynamics of the scene.

Impact play can take place within a BDSM power dynamic (between a Dominant and submissive) or without any power exchange (between a Top and bottom). It is a popular kink and is frequently seen at dungeon parties and kink events.

Those who engage in impact play from the left side of the slash typically enjoy sadistic physical activities (hurting someone) while those who engage in it from the right side enjoy masochistic physical activities (being hurt by someone else). Kinksters who enjoy both the role of sadist and masochist are known as sadomasochists or switches.

The reasons kinksters enjoy this type of play are rarely simple. Reasons range from emotional release to empowerment through ownership of previously traumatic activities.

Is impact play physical abuse?

No. Impact play, like all of kink, is a mutually consensual activity between adults.

That being said, impact play is violent; it’s the act of one person striking another. In some cases, it can be so violent as to leave permanent marks on another person’s body. But just as a tattoo artist would not hold someone down while they drew permanently on their body, a real kinkster would never hit someone without their expressed consent.

What are the different types of impact play toys?

Impact play can involve toys that span a vast range of sensations from those that snap at the surface of the skin, creating a stinging sensation (what we call “sting” or “stingy”) to those that have a sensation of going deeply into the body to be felt in the muscle tissue (what we call “thud” or “thuddy”).

The majority of toys will fall somewhere between sting and thud, and each kinkster has their preferred toys. Some of the most common include: crops, floggers, paddles, and canes.

We should also note that toys aren’t a definer of impact play; they are just a style of it. Many kinksters enjoy slapping, punching, and/or kicking. The physical connection the Top and bottom feel with direct impact can make these activities particularly potent.

How to Prepare for an Impact Play Scene

Inspect and Disinfect Your Toys

Tops should thoroughly inspect their implements before each scene to ensure they're safe to use. Damaged tools, such as canes with splits or wooden paddles with cracks, should be discarded to prevent breakage. Bottoms should also be allowed to inspect any implements before the scene begins.

Porous materials like rubber or certain leathers should be disinfected before and after use to avoid infection. Leather tools (such as floggers or whips) can be wiped with a damp cloth and dried immediately after use. If any implement breaks the skin, it should not be used on other people.

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

As with all kink activities, both the Top and bottom should refrain from drugs and alcohol during the scene. These substances can impair judgment, affect pain tolerance, and blur the lines of consent. Clear-headedness is crucial for both parties to communicate effectively, negotiate boundaries, and engage in aftercare.

Mind Your Mental State

Both Top and bottom should ensure they’re in a stable emotional and mental state. A Top feeling angry or agitated may risk causing harm if they lose control of the intensity of the scene. Similarly, a bottom feeling depressed or anxious may be at risk of emotional overwhelm or subspace without proper precautions. Remember: the goal of impact play is to hurt, not harm.

Maintain Self-Control

It’s essential that both participants maintain self-control. Bottoms may be restrained to prevent sudden movements during the scene, ensuring their safety and consent are respected. Tops should always retain control over their implements. Some tools even come with wrist straps for additional grip security.

Parts of the Body to Strike in Impact Play

With proper preparation, awareness of the human anatomy, and adequate post-scene care, both Top and bottom can enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of impact play while minimising the risk of injury or discomfort.

Person in black wearing an orange dragon kink mask and holding an orange impact play whip

Many areas of the body are considered safe for impact play, including:

Buttocks
Thighs
Calves
Upper back and shoulders
Chest/breasts (Avoid impact to the breasts before a mammogram as it can interfere with imaging results)

Areas Requiring Extra Care

Some areas require caution to avoid injury:

Face (Only strike the cheeks, never the eyes, nose, or mouth)
Genitals (Requires particular care and communication)
Hands and feet
Abdomen (Avoid direct strikes on the stomach, particularly if the bottom has recently eaten)

Avoid the following areas entirely:

Joints (e.g., neck, hips, knees)
Kidneys
Tailbone
Head

Impact should be applied to parts of the body with sufficient muscle or fat to absorb the force. Striking these vulnerable areas can lead to serious injury.

Risks and Post-Scene Care for Impact Play

a small leather flogger is held in front of a woman displaying her bare buttocks

Watch for Wrapping

When using floggers or whips, be aware of "wrapping" — where the implement strikes the intended target but wraps around and impacts unintended areas, potentially causing injury.

Understand the Pain Response

Pain responses vary based on the implement, its use, and the body part being struck. Pain can range from sharp "sting" to deep "thud." Stingy implements (like canes) create sharp surface-level pain, while thuddy implements (like paddles or some floggers) provide deeper, muscular sensations. Always assess the response and adjust intensity accordingly.

Stay Hydrated

Impact play can be physically demanding. Both participants should stay hydrated, with breaks for water, especially for the bottom. This is crucial for maintaining energy and health during extended sessions.

Be Aware of Subspace

Bottoms may enter "subspace" — a trance-like state of heightened endorphins and reduced awareness. If the bottom becomes non-verbal or unresponsive, the Top must be prepared to end the scene or offer immediate aftercare. Always monitor your partner closely and be mindful of their mental and physical state throughout.

Post-Scene Wound Care

If there are any cuts, bruises, or abrasions, clean the wounds and apply appropriate dressing to prevent infection. Avoid further impact play on any injured areas until healing is complete. Persistent wounds should be treated by a medical professional.

Impact play can greatly enhance the dynamics of a BDSM scene, but it’s essential to prioritise safety, communication, and consent.

Do I have to like impact play to be kinky?

It’s totally acceptable to not like impact play. You are still a kinky person if you enjoy activities that are outside the realms of what you consider to be normal.

Kinksters who don’t enjoy impact play are more common than the kink community might have you believe. Impact play is just a small subset of a much larger universe of kink. Many kinksters are pain-adverse and prefer to engage in other activities that do not involve impact play. Such activities can include things like sensual play, breath play, some forms of bondage, power exchange, needle play, and much more.

Kink beginners and veterans alike can sometimes feel like they aren’t kinky enough because they don’t find an attraction to pain.

If you fall into that category, just remember that everyone’s path is unique and your kink journey is your own.

Impact Play & Human Anatomy