Deep Ecstasy: lying on your back with legs raised, partner kneeling
Deep Ecstasy is a face-to-face position on the bed or the floor. The receiving partner lies flat on her back with her arms above her head and her legs held together, straight and raised vertically, resting against the chest and one shoulder of the giving partner. He kneels at her hips, with one knee down and the other foot on the surface, leans forward over her legs and rests his hands on her belly and hips. He sets the rhythm, the angle allows deep penetration, and you keep eye contact, although the raised legs come between your faces and kissing is not possible. It can be done with vaginal or anal penetration.
Also known as: Legs Up · Deep Stick
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies flat on her back, head turned to one side or resting on a pillow, arms stretched above her head. She raises both legs together and straight until they are vertical, and rests them against his chest and one shoulder. The giving partner kneels close to her buttocks, with one knee on the surface and the other leg bent, foot flat, which gives him a stable base. He leans his torso forward over her raised legs and places his hands on her belly and hips, without putting weight on them. Because her thighs are together and her pelvis tilts upwards, the angle favours deep penetration, and he controls the rhythm and depth. Body contact is partial: legs against his chest and pelvis against pelvis. Eye contact is easy, but the legs come between your faces, so there is no kissing. She needs flexible hamstrings to keep her legs straight; his knees take most of the load.
Why this position works
Many couples choose it for the depth: with the legs together and raised, the pelvis tilts and penetration can go deeper than in the classic missionary, and the closed thighs create a snug feeling that some people enjoy. The receiving partner can relax while the giving partner sets the pace, and both can see each other's faces. Sensations vary a lot: deep penetration is pleasant for some people and uncomfortable for others, so it is worth starting slowly.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: a cushion under her hips
A firm cushion under her buttocks raises her pelvis, with the legs still together and vertical against his chest.
Raising the pelvis brings it to the height of his hips, so he can kneel more upright and lean forward less. The angle of penetration changes slightly and her lower back is supported, which helps if keeping the legs up tires her.
- She lies on her back and slides a firm cushion or folded pillow under her buttocks.
- She raises her legs together and straight and rests them against his chest.
- He kneels at her hips and adjusts his height to hers.
- He starts slowly, checking the new angle with her.
Variation 2: legs raised and apart in a V
She keeps her legs straight and raised but opens them in a V, one against each of his shoulders.
Opening the legs lowers the tension on the hamstrings and makes the position easier to hold. The snug feeling of closed thighs is lost, but he can lean in closer and her clitoris becomes easier to reach with a hand.
- Start from the basic position, legs together and vertical.
- She opens her legs to form a V and rests each ankle or calf on one of his shoulders.
- He moves slightly closer between her legs.
- Either of you can add a hand on the clitoris if it feels good.
Variation 3: only one leg raised
She keeps one leg straight and raised against his shoulder and rests the other flat on the bed, between his knees or to one side.
With only one leg raised, the hamstring stretch is much milder and her pelvis rotates slightly. Penetration is a little less deep and the angle changes towards one side, a good option for less flexible partners or to rest.
- Start from the basic position.
- She lowers one leg and stretches it out on the bed.
- The other leg stays straight against his chest and shoulder; he holds it with one hand.
- He adjusts his knees so as not to press on the lowered leg, and continues gently.
Variation 4: ankles crossed
With her legs still together and vertical, she crosses her ankles, which closes the thighs even more.
Crossing the ankles squeezes the thighs together, so the entrance feels tighter for both and penetration may become a little shallower. Everything else stays the same: she lies on her back, he kneels and controls the rhythm.
- Get into the basic position, legs together and vertical against his chest.
- She crosses her ankles in front of his shoulder.
- He slows down at first, as the feeling becomes tighter.
- Use extra lubricant if there is more friction.
Variation 5: he kneels upright and holds her ankles
He puts both knees down and straightens his torso, holding her raised legs by the ankles instead of leaning over them.
With both knees down and his torso upright, his base is wider and his back works less. Holding her ankles, he can move her legs slightly forward or back to change the angle. Their faces are further apart, but eye contact remains.
- She lies on her back with her legs together and raised.
- He kneels with both knees on the bed, close to her buttocks, torso upright.
- He holds her ankles against his chest or shoulder.
- He tilts her legs slightly towards her or away to find the most comfortable angle.
✓ Tips
- Start slowly and go deeper little by little: with the legs raised and together, penetration reaches further than it seems.
- If her hamstrings are tight, she can bend her knees slightly or rest her legs on just one of his shoulders.
- He should support himself on his knees and foot, not on her belly: his hands only guide.
- Avoid strong or sudden thrusts and keep the penis well aligned; if it slips out, guide it back in by hand.
- Use plenty of lubricant, and for anal sex also a condom, preparation and patience. Condoms also protect against STIs in vaginal sex.
- Put a folded towel or cushion under his knee if the surface is hard, and stop if there is pain.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration, face to face, with the legs raised
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration, with the receiving partner's legs together and raised
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, if the receiving partner has some hamstring flexibility and you go slowly. Penetration can be deep, so start gently and talk to each other.
Can it be done for anal sex?
Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, prepare with fingers or toys first, and go slowly. Stop if there is pain.
What if I can't keep my legs straight?
Bend your knees slightly, or rest only one leg on your partner's shoulder: the position stays the same and is easier on the back of the thighs.
Can we kiss in this position?
No: the raised legs come between your faces. You can see each other, though, and lowering the legs into the missionary lets you kiss.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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