Anal fisting, also known as handballing, is defined in many dictionaries, blogs, and sexual health outreach articles as the practice of inserting a fist into the anus of another person.

The terms fist, anus, and another person are very specific and thus problematic.

For example, one medical researcher pointed out that the word fist in relation to the practice is deceptive because the hand may not be made into a fist, if ever, until it has been fully inserted.

In similar fashion, the term anus is also limiting. The anatomical definition of the anus is the sphincter at the distal (or far) end of the anal canal. Play that does not incorporate full penetration of the anus, anal canal, and rectum is usually considered ass play, but not fisting (with the exception of self-fisting).

Self-fisting is illustrative of how another person is not necessary in the fisting equation as several men can insert most of their hands into their own holes.

• Elementary Fisting | Involves insertion of a single hand just past the wrist, with varying styles of rotation and movement.
• Width Fisting | Encompasses the insertion of an extra-large hand to various depths, or multiple hands typically through the first hole for maximal rectal stretching.
• Depth Fisting | Entails passing through the second hole with the hand and an extended portion of the arm—sometimes reaching up to the shoulder.
• Punch Fisting | Includes rhythmic insertion and extraction of hand(s) through the first and occasionally second hole.

In addition to the four general categories of fisting, fisters may also reference specialized activities such as chem fisting, spit fisting, piss fisting, foot fisting, and shit fisting.

With the exception of self-fisting, any play that does not involve the wrist passing completely though the first hole is referred to as ass play or heavy ass play.

• Meditation | Conscious focus on the present moment coupled with rhythmic breathing can trigger relaxation that allows a fist to pass through the first hole.
• Bio-hacks | Activities such as holding one's breath or strategic pulsation of the first hole (pushing out on a specific interval) alters the tone of the first hole to allow passage.
• Distractions | Redirection of thoughts from the pressure on the hole shifts focus and decreases natural barriers the body has to prevent sodomization of the hole.
• Substances | Strategic popper use or other drug use alters brain chemistry and physiological functions to decrease resistance within the first hole. For example, poppers relax smooth muscle tissue.

Being in the Same Headspace describes the synchronization of mental status—frequently in relation to use of drugs, even soft drugs such as poppers and alcohol. Many fisters prefer playing with others who are on the same psychotropic wavelength. Sober fisters usually play with other sober fisters. Chem fisters prefer play with other chem fisters.

Fisting affects practitioners in distinct ways. Some try it once and move on—only returning to it rarely, if ever. Others find themselves coming back to it frequently, often making it their primary sexual outlet. For the latter group, it becomes a meaningful part of how they understand themselves.

This “fisting identity” is characterized by a strong, sustained connection to the practice, use of fisting as a primary sexual outlet, a sense of belonging within a community of other fisters, and an ongoing focus on improving one's skills and abilities.

Fisters can identify in one of three roles: top (active/penetrative), bottom (passive/receptive), and versatile. Those who identify as versatile may further classify their preferences on a spectrum ranging from more likely to top, completely verse, or more likely to bottom. About 5% of fisters are tops, 10-15% are bottoms, and the remainder are versatile.

In the progression of fisting, most people top before they bottom simply because taking a fist may require time and conditioning to prevent injury.

A common misunderstanding is that fisting is a BDSM activity with specific focus on the Dom/Sub and Sadist/Masochist dichotomies. Fewer than 5% of practicing fisters classify the act of fisting as either (bondage/submission or sadism/masochism). In most circumstances, the bottom controls the intensity, pace, and interaction style of the session. This is known as "topping from the bottom."

Even when a bottom takes a more submissive role (due to his general personality), he is typically in control of the session.

Fisters silently communicate their experience or lack of experience via lube competency. A significant portion of fisting etiquette focuses on lube, and violation of that etiquette is a clear indicator of limited fisting experience.

Tops and bottoms demonstrate lube competency differently. For tops, lube competency is demonstrated by application techniques and application frequency. For bottoms, competency is demonstrated by lube selection, preparation, and strategic use. Lube competency helps ensure fisters, especially bottoms, remain in the appropriate headspace to have a safe and fulfilling play session.

QUICK REFERENCE

• Lubrication Essentials
• Etiquette: Lubrication
• Elementary Fisting for Tops: Lubrication
• Elementary Fisting for Bottoms: Lubrication

Selecting the appropriate lube is also another component of lube competency.

The most common type of fisting lube for fisting is a polymer called PEO. Several brands mix different formulations and utilize different molecular weights to create the ideal lubricity for fisting. These brands include J-lube, X lube, K lube, FFäusten, and Fuck & Fist Powder.

Oil-based lubes are also commercially available, including brands such as Elbow Grease, Boy Butter, Fist It, and Fist (M&K). Many fisters use Crisco, Trex, or other types of hydrogenated cooking oil, or even petrolatum (petroleum jelly, soft paraffin, white petrolatum).

Silicone-based lubes and glycerine-based lubes are too pricey to use or are ineffective in keeping the fist chute and hand properly lubricated.

Various other positions are possible but are more appropriate for advanced fisters who have responsive holes. For example, lying flat on the stomach and standing up change the alignment of the rectum and make fisting more strenuous and difficult. New bottoms find those two positions uncomfortable.

There are three categories of techniques:

• Stimulation | Techniques that focus on triggering orgasm and pleasure inside the hole through physical and physiological (reflex) stimulation.
• Distraction | Techniques that decrease negative headspace by focusing on factors outside the hole. These techniques can compound stimulation techniques.
• Expansion | Techniques that work to expand the capacities of the bottom, including taking fists, taking punches, increasing gape, elongating prolapse, reaching greater depth, and widening the hole. These techniques may cause temporary discomfort.

Most fisters in general play focus on stimulation techniques. Mentors and coaches frequently include distraction and expansion techniques in their routines.

The most basic technique in fisting is the silent goose (sometimes called the duck bill). In this technique, the top tucks his thumb behind his three middle fingers to essentially collapse his hand into the easiest form for a bottom to take.

Detailed communication is also a strong technique that new fisters should focus on. This technique focuses on creating the headspace for fisters to connect and for bottoms to relax sufficiently to accept a fist.