Flame: standing face-to-face position with one leg raised high
Flame is a demanding standing position, face to face. The receiving partner stands on one foot and lifts the other leg very high, hooking it over the penetrating partner's forearm near the shoulder, with the arms around the partner's neck and the back arched, head tilted back. The penetrating partner stands facing them, leaning slightly forward, holding the raised leg with one arm and the upper back with the other hand, and can kiss the neck and chest. Penetration is vaginal and shallow. It calls for flexibility in the hips and hamstrings and good balance from both partners.
Also known as: Flame
Anatomy and biomechanics
Both partners are standing. The receiving partner rests on a single foot, while the other leg is lifted to about the height of the penetrating partner's shoulder and hooked over the forearm. The arms go around the partner's neck and the torso arches backwards, with the head tilted back. The penetrating partner stands with the feet apart and a slight forward lean: one arm supports the raised leg and the other hand holds the receiving partner's upper back to keep them steady. With the legs wide open and the bodies at different angles, penetration stays shallow. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm with small hip movements; the receiving partner's balance depends on the standing foot and on holding on to the partner's neck.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy the sense of display and the full-body contact of this position: the chests are close and the penetrating partner can kiss the neck and chest. The very open leg changes the sensations compared with other standing positions. It is also a playful challenge of balance and flexibility. Because the head is tilted back, there is little eye contact.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: raised leg held at hip height
The receiving partner lifts the leg only to the penetrating partner's hip, with the knee bent over the forearm.
Much less hip flexibility is needed and the receiving partner arches the back less, so balance is easier. The legs are less open and penetration can feel a little closer.
- Stand face to face, the receiving partner's arms around the other's neck.
- The receiving partner bends one knee and lifts it to the side of the partner's hip.
- The penetrating partner holds that leg under the knee with the forearm and the back with the other hand.
- Keep the standing foot flat and move slowly.
Variation 2: receiving partner leaning against a wall
The receiving partner rests the back against a wall while keeping the leg raised on the partner's forearm.
The wall takes over the support of the back, so the receiving partner no longer has to arch or hang from the partner's neck, and the penetrating partner has a hand free. Balance on one foot becomes much easier.
- The receiving partner stands with the back flat against a wall.
- The penetrating partner stands in front, feet apart.
- The receiving partner lifts one leg and the penetrating partner holds it on the forearm, as high as is comfortable.
- Use the wall to steady yourselves and move gently.
Variation 3: standing foot on a low, stable step
The receiving partner places the standing foot on a low, stable step to even out the height difference.
Raising the receiving partner brings both pelvises to the same height, so the penetrating partner does not have to bend the knees and the thrusts are more even. The step must be wide and non-slip, because all the weight rests on that foot.
- Place a low, wide and non-slip step next to a wall.
- The receiving partner stands on it with one foot, holding the partner's neck.
- Lift the other leg onto the penetrating partner's forearm.
- Check that the step does not move before you start.
✓ Tips
- Choose a firm, non-slip floor and stay close to a wall or piece of furniture you can lean on if you lose balance.
- Warm up the hips and the back of the thighs first; lift the leg only as high as is comfortable.
- The penetrating partner should hold the back and the leg firmly and move gently: standing, a slip or a hard thrust can bend the penis.
- Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs.
- Stop at once if either of you feels unstable, or if there is pain in the hip or lower back.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Shallow standing vaginal penetration, face to face, with one of the receiving partner's legs raised
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal, shallow, standing
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be flexible?
Yes, the receiving partner needs fairly open hips and flexible hamstrings to lift the leg near the shoulder. If not, the leg can be held at hip height instead.
Is it suitable for people with back problems?
It is not the best choice: the receiving partner arches the lower back while balancing on one foot. Try a position lying down or with more support.
What if we are very different in height?
The shorter partner can stand on a low, stable step, or the taller partner can bend the knees a little.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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