Spanking, as part of sexual play, occurs when a person slaps a sex partner with an open hand or an object to heighten sexual arousal for one or both parties. This type of adult spanking is usually enjoyed by those who find sexual pleasure in strong sensations or mild discomfort. Enjoyment of pain is part of the pleasure for a smaller subset of spankees as well. It can be done during foreplay or intercourse. Spanking should be done within a consensual power power play relationship, where both parties discuss their desires and limits. Safewords and signals should be used to ensure all participants safety.
Spanking Positions
Spanking can be done in a variety of positions. Sometimes the partner being struck is bent over a spanking bench or furniture. Over the knee spanking (OTK spanking) is also a common spanking posture.
Over the knee spanking is striking someone while their body is positioned over the spanker's knee. The dominant partner sits on a chair, couch, or bed, with their feet flat on the floor. The submissive lies face down over the dominant’s lap, with their upper body on one side of the dominant’s legs and their legs on the other. They may let their head hang down to the floor, if the dominant sits on a chair, to really elevate their buttocks. If this position is too difficult to maintain, they could support their weight with a couch or bed.
Once in position, the dominant can strike the submissive’s buttocks as many times as they like. They may spank them with their own hand or another implement, such as a crop or paddle. If the submissive resists, the dominant can hold them in place with one hand while spanking with the other. If the submissive requires further restraint, the dominant may use their body, like placing their leg over the submissive’s legs to pin them down.
The dominant may remain clothed, while the submissive can be in any state of undress the dominant prefers. The submissive may come to the dominant without underwear or wait for the dominant to remove it. The dominant may also spank the submissive while they are wearing underwear, although this does not create the same sting.
Many dominants use spankings during BDSM play to exert control over their submissive once the submissive consents to it. Dominants can use it to take physical control or mental control through humiliation (again, if that's what the submissive has agreed to). It is a very intimate act as it puts the bodies of a dominant and submissive in close contact. Spanking over the knee can prevent the spanker from 'mis-firing' and hitting their submissive’s lower back or thighs, which may cause damage.
Spanking is also referred to as erotic spanking or spankophilia.
