Backrest: a seated chair position with her facing away
The Backrest is a seated position on a straight-backed chair. He sits facing the backrest and she sits on his lap with her back to him, knees drawn up and lower legs resting over the top of the backrest. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is shallow, and there is plenty of body contact, although no eye contact.
Also known as: Posterior Support · Rear Support
Anatomy and biomechanics
He sits upright on a sturdy chair, facing the backrest, with his feet flat on the floor, and grips the top of the backrest on either side of her. She sits on his lap facing the same way, her back against his chest; she draws her knees up towards her chest, rests her lower legs over the top of the backrest and hugs her shins. Her buttocks rest on his thighs and the chair carries the weight of both partners. He sets the pace with short rocking movements of the pelvis; with her legs drawn up, she has little room to move. Penetration is shallow, and the strain falls on his lower back and thighs.
Why this position works
People enjoy the sense of being held: she is wrapped between his chest and arms, and he can kiss her neck and nape. Shallow penetration and short movements make it a slow-paced position, with sensations focused near the entrance. Because it is from behind, some people find the angle pleasurable against the front wall of the vagina, though not everyone does. There is no eye contact.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: with her feet on the floor
She lowers her legs and puts her feet on the floor beside the chair instead of resting them over the backrest.
Same position, but without her legs over the backrest: she rests her feet on the floor or on the chair's crossbar. She gains stability and can rise and sink slightly, so she shares control of the pace. It needs less hip flexibility.
- He sits facing the backrest with his feet firmly planted.
- She sits on his lap with her back to him and guides him in by hand.
- She puts her feet on the floor or crossbar beside his legs and her hands on the backrest.
- She moves with short lifts while he holds her waist.
Variation 2: leaning back against his chest
She leans back against his chest and he wraps his arms around her.
Same position, but she lets go of her shins and rests her whole back and head against his chest and shoulder, while he lets go of the backrest and holds her around the waist. Body contact increases and he can kiss her neck; the angle of the pelvis changes slightly.
- Get into the main position with the chair firmly stable.
- She lets go of her shins and slowly leans back against his chest, legs still over the backrest.
- He lets go of the backrest and wraps his arms around her waist.
- Move with gentle rocking, and grab the backrest again if you feel unsteady.
Variation 3: with a folded towel over the backrest
A towel or thin cushion over the backrest pads her legs.
Same position, with a folded towel or a thin cushion over the top of the backrest. It protects the backs of her knees and her shins from the hard edge and lets you hold the position longer without discomfort.
- Fold a towel or place a thin cushion over the top of the backrest.
- He sits facing the backrest and she sits on his lap with her back to him.
- She rests her legs over the towel and hugs her shins.
- He grips the backrest on either side and sets a gentle pace.
✓ Tips
- Use a solid chair with no wheels or armrests and a firm backrest; if you can, push it against a wall so it cannot tip forward. If it creaks or wobbles, stop and change position.
- She sits down slowly and guides him in by hand before lifting her legs over the backrest, then settles in gently.
- Avoid her dropping her weight suddenly onto his lap: at this angle the penis can bend if it slips out and goes back in with force. Short rocking movements are safer.
- For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly, and change condoms before switching from anal to vaginal sex.
- A folded towel over the backrest protects her legs; stop if there is any pain in the back or knees.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Shallow vaginal or anal penetration from behind, seated on a chair
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Shallow vaginal or anal penetration from behind, seated
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
It takes moderate effort and balance, and a lot depends on the chair. If it is your first time, start with the feet-on-the-floor variation, which is more stable and gives her more control.
What kind of chair works best?
A straight, solid chair with no wheels and a firm backrest at a height where she can rest her legs comfortably. Avoid folding or lightweight chairs.
Can you see each other's faces in this position?
No: she faces away from him. In return, there is lots of back-to-chest contact and he can kiss her neck.
Can it be used for anal sex?
Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and stop if it hurts. Penetration in this position is shallow, which can help you take things gradually.
Safety and evidence
This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.
G-spot: what the evidence says
The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.
Anatomical variability
Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.
Lubrication and comfort
When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.
Anal sex: care and prevention
The anus does not lubricate itself and its lining is thin. Plenty of lubricant, a condom, going slowly and being able to stop at any moment make it more comfortable and lower the risk of injury and infection.
Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs
It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.
STI protection: condoms and dental dams
A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.
Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·
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