For lovers of Impact play, there are a few favorites. Spankings, are of course, a classic. Yet paddles, in all their shapes, sizes and materials, come close. Paddles are great for covering a larger area than hands; they are also easier on the top in the long run. Many impact scenes usually begin with a spanking and graduate up to paddles to increase the intensity.

Paddles, unlike whips or Floggers, are generally considered safe and easy to use. However, just like a hand spanking, there are risks to using them (yes, even though they're tons of fun). Knowledge of safe paddling techniques, along with the different types of paddles exist, can help you make this both a safe and pleasurable activity for all partners involved.

Before you engage in any kind of impact play, it's important to understand the body and how it works. Large areas with lots of fat and muscle - like the bum - are great for impact play because they are usually far from essential organs.

In other words, avoid hitting the front part of the body, along the spine, the neck, the face, or the head. Beginners can easily keep their impact play to the buttocks and upper thighs until they get more practice and gain more knowledge of the body.

On the buttocks themselves, there are parts that are more and less painful. Most of the impact should be on the middle of the buttocks, at their apex, and lower. Hitting higher than the apex (roundest, most prominent part) can cause damage to the tailbone and the kind of the pain that bottoms don't tend to enjoy. Of course, as with all BDSM play, using Safewords between trusted partners is essential. This means a thorough negotiation and getting to know each other beforehand. Also, ensure that your toys are in good condition. Discard anything that seems broken or unsafe.