I believe in spanking for certain offenses (direct defiance) and after the option to back out of that offense with a reminder of the consequence they choose with the action.
I use a bare hand, usually over their clothes.
I have the child turn away from me so I have access.
There's lots of talking, hugging, and reconciliation before and after the spanking. The point is to give them an impact to help them understand the severity of the offense.
One other thing. Spanking should never be done in anger. If I'm angry, the child goes into his/her room first and I calm down before I encounter them for punishment. If I can't control my emotions, my child will do it for me (manipulate me). I have to be in control of the situation.
Rachel