What Works: Assuniming that I have a partner where we share that comfort level and all conditions are ideal.... I'm fond of giving a good caning. I'm torn in favorite positions here I love standing with hands on head, bent over a desk / chair / bed / couch etc..., bent over grabbing ankles or knees, or even holding her hands up behind herr back (although it does make it trickier to swing). Coming in a close second (and this breaks in to fantasy / roleplay) is a pair of pink pajama bottoms pulled down just enough to reveal that bare bottom and the strap or belt. Only 2 positions for this one bent oveer a desk / chair / bed / couch etc... or laying on the bed with pillows under her stomach.
Roleplay: or fantasy. I have a weekness for school girl scenarios. I love a small skirt pulled up and panties off for a good bare bottom caning or strapping. Call me a freak if you like, but I'm a leg and ass man as well as a spanko.
What Doesn't work: So far my spankings have mostly been "surface spankings" delivered by hand and smaller or lighter implements. My spankees have all been rather petite women and leather implements, canes, and small light paddles have worked best. Large heavy wooden implements tended to have negative resulst since there was not much padding there and my goal is absolutely not to cause serious or lasting damage. I'm not opposed to wooden implements and enjoy using the hairbrush, bathbrush and light wooden spoon, I've just had to be carefull and light with them.
Bratting: Bratting can be great, but only if the spankee and spanker both know it for what it is. Having a brat get bratty with me when I'm not aware that it's to get me to spank her can lead to confusion or dissapointment for both of us.
These are just favorites, it doesn' mean that I'm opposed to other ways or positions. Just because I love steak doesn't mean I wont eat pizza
but under ideal conditions with an ideal partner that would be my top as a top.