Flogging 101- a primer for subs and Doms/Dommes

Flogging and other type of contact punishment can be very enjoyable for both the sub and the Dom/Domme but if you;ve never tried it before there are some things you need to know. Here's what I found during my research:

First: Terminology



Snappy" : Like that of a small belt. Snappy is used to describe a small sharp sensation.

"Strappy" : Like that of a medium belt. used to describe a larger, less sharp sensation.

"Thuddy" or “Punchy” : A heavier feeling, usually combined with a "slappy" or "snappy" feel. 
Can cause people to move due to the weight of the blow.

"Stinging" : Like the feel of being snapped by a rubber band to varying degrees depending on how it is used.

"Tingling" : After the initial slap it leaves a nice warm tingle that grows and spreads. 
Usually associated with textured surface paddles.

"Slapping" : Like the slap of a hand, (but limited to the area covered by the device) .

"Whacking" : The feeling of a broad area being struck at once. 
Much like a spanking, usually a feeling derived from paddles, or whips with larger tails.

"Cutting" : The feeling of a narrow area being struck hard (or multiple areas simultaneously). 
Similar to snappy but much, much, more intense, can raise weal's,
 and can feel that the skin has been cut.

(Don't be afraid to try something that sounds fun too!)

Some things for the dominant to consider when purchasing a sensation or punishment toy is how it will be used, how experienced a user you are, 
how experienced your sub is, and what types of sensations they like or are willing to submit to.

While some may enjoy a whack from a paddle, a sharp snap from a rubber whip might not be their thing. That's not to say you can't try to work towards a mutual agreement towards each others desires 
and a little training to get your sub to enjoy playing with a toy they never thought they'd like. Also, a toy that has the sub in fear every time it is brought out could be a good method of punishment, 
as it would hardly need to be used at all to achieve the desired effect on the behavior of the sub.

A few pointers on using your new toy:

For best results, try using your new whip on a pillow to practice your aim. 
To determine feel, use it on the more sensitive inside portion of your arm, 
or swing it over your shoulder so that it lands on your back. 
Start gently and gradually increase the strength of the blows. 
Paddles and crops can be used on your open hand, slapped against your leg, or on your own bum. 
It is important that you know and understand the feelings that the toy will provide for your sub, 
so that you can get the strength and duration of use right.

There are always areas to avoid when using a whip (or any other impact sensation device). 
These include the neck, face and avoid any hits to the lower portions 
of the back and sides where the kidneys are located. 
It does not take a hard hit with a whip to do damage, 
as the tails will whip round the body and speed up as they do, 
thus increasing the strength of the blow at the tips considerably.

The best places are usually the shoulders and upper back , the butt 
(especially the fleshy portion where the bottom meets the back of the thigh), 
the backs of the thighs, and breast area. 
Palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet are also possible, 
but are far more difficult to get right due to the small target area 
and the risk of the whip wrapping round and causing raw pain. 
Favorites vary among individuals, but the breasts and pubic areas can also be fun 
but more care is required, especially if the areas are pierced.

Most importantly, if it's something you've never used before, 
or an area that you have not struck before, make sure to be careful, 
take it slow and discuss the types of things you both find exciting and pleasurable, 
both during and after play. It's always a good idea to take some pointers 
from those who know how to use the toy of your choice.

It may seem silly, but it's good to practice on a pillow. 
Concentrate on your aim and control by trying to hit the same spot over and over. 
If it's a feather pillow, concentrate on your control by not making too much of an 
indentation in the pillow, and once you have mastered that, 
try moving around while continuing to use the toy. 
Very few people will stay still while playing (both doms and subs).

So, find the toy that suits you and your sub, be sure to practice, and above all…enjoy.
Be sure to stop by my blog www.desireeholttellsall.com and my web site www.desiree.com

And pick up your copies of all the stories in the 1-800-DOMHelp series. You can find the list under Series at Ellora's Cave www.jasminejade.com