Depth: rear entry lying face down with one leg raised
Depth is a rear-entry position with the receiving partner lying face down. They prop themselves up on their forearms, keep one leg straight on the bed and lift the other back with the knee bent; the penetrating partner kneels behind, straddling the straight leg, and holds the raised leg by the ankle. Penetration is of medium depth, the penetrating partner sets the pace, and the open leg changes the angle compared with lying flat. It asks for some hip flexibility and there is no eye contact.
Also known as: In Depth
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies face down on the bed and rises onto their forearms, chest lifted and belly on the mattress. One leg stays straight along the bed; the other is lifted back and slightly out, with the knee bent and the foot toward the ceiling. The penetrating partner kneels behind, straddling the straight leg, leans the torso slightly forward and steadies themselves with one hand on the bed; with the other they hold the raised ankle or foot near their own shoulder. They enter from behind and control rhythm and depth; the receiving partner has little room to move, so their signals guide the movement. The raised leg opens the hip and arches the lower back, which is where most of the strain is felt.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because the open leg gives a different angle from lying flat, with a pleasant sense of being held, while the penetrating partner has a good view and full control of the rhythm. The receiving partner's pubic area presses against the bed, and some people enjoy that friction on the clitoris, especially with a cushion underneath. It is less comfortable than plain rear entry lying down: the raised leg and the arched back tire after a while, so it works best as a short change. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: cushion under the pelvis
A firm cushion under the receiving partner's hips raises the pelvis a little while one leg stays raised.
The cushion lifts the pelvis, so the receiving partner needs to arch their lower back less and the angle of entry becomes easier for the penetrating partner. The pubic area rests on the cushion, which some people find pleasant friction for the clitoris. The rest of the position does not change.
- Place a firm cushion or folded pillow on the bed where the receiving partner's hips will rest.
- The receiving partner lies face down over it, rises onto their forearms and lifts one leg back with the knee bent.
- The penetrating partner kneels behind, straddling the straight leg, and holds the ankle of the raised leg.
- Adjust the height of the cushion until neither of you feels strain in the back.
Variation 2: leg bent out to the side
Instead of lifting the leg back, the receiving partner bends it out to the side on the bed, knee toward the chest.
With the knee resting on the bed to the side, the hip opens without lifting the leg, so the lower back hardly arches and the penetrating partner no longer needs to hold the ankle. They can rest both hands on the bed or on the receiving partner's hips. It is gentler for the hip and back and can be held longer.
- Start in the basic position.
- The penetrating partner lets go of the ankle; the receiving partner lowers the raised leg and slides the knee out to the side, toward the chest.
- The penetrating partner stays kneeling behind, straddling the straight leg, with both hands on the bed or on the receiving partner's hips.
- Continue with moderate, controlled movements.
Variation 3: chest resting on the bed
The receiving partner lowers from the forearms and rests their chest on the bed, arms folded under a pillow, keeping one leg raised.
With the chest down, the arch of the lower back almost disappears and the neck and shoulders rest, so it is the most comfortable option if the back aches. The pelvis sits a little lower, so the penetrating partner leans further forward. The receiving partner can turn their head to one side to talk more easily.
- Start in the basic position.
- The receiving partner slides their forearms forward and lowers their chest onto a pillow.
- They keep the leg raised as far as is comfortable; the penetrating partner still holds the ankle.
- The penetrating partner leans slightly further forward and adjusts the angle with short movements.
✓ Tips
- Lift the leg only as high as the hip allows without pain; the partner behind holds it and does not pull or push it further.
- If the receiving partner's lower back aches, put a cushion under their pelvis or let them lower their chest to the bed (variation 3).
- Keep thrusts controlled: from behind, if the penis slips out and hits the body it can bend. A crack, sudden pain or swelling means stopping and seeking medical help.
- The receiving partner's belly is pressed against the bed: it is not a good choice during pregnancy or with abdominal discomfort.
- Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs and, if needed, pregnancy.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal penetration from behind, lying face down with one leg raised
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal penetration from behind, lying face down with one leg raised, of medium depth
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is this position suitable for beginners?
With care. It is not very demanding in strength, but it needs some hip flexibility and loads the lower back. Lift the leg gradually and use a cushion under the pelvis.
How high should the leg go?
Only as high as is comfortable. The partner behind supports the ankle without forcing it; if the hip pulls or the back hurts, lower it or bend it out to the side (variation 2).
Who controls the movement?
Mainly the partner behind. The receiver has little room to move, so agree on a word or gesture to slow down or stop.
Is it risky for the penis?
It can be if thrusts are hard and the penis slips out. Keep movements controlled and do not pull all the way out at speed.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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