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Physical effort: High Seated

Mirror: face-to-face half-kneeling position

Mirror is a face-to-face position in which both partners half-kneel on the floor, each a reflection of the other. He kneels on one knee with the other foot forward; she kneels on one knee between his legs and rests her other leg over his forward thigh. Chest to chest, with their faces close enough to kiss, they move together. Penetration is shallow. It is a demanding position for balance and hips, so it suits couples who want a challenge and a lot of closeness.

Also known as: Mirror position · Half-kneeling face to face

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Illustration of Mirror: Both partners half-kneel face to face in a mirrored stance; she rests one leg over his forward thigh, and they hold each other close for shallow penetration.
Anatomy and biomechanics

He kneels on one knee, with that leg stretched back, and plants the other foot forward with the knee bent at a right angle. His torso is upright and his arms wrap around her waist and buttocks. She faces him and kneels on one knee on the floor between his legs, lifts her other leg, bent, and rests it over his forward thigh. Her torso is upright and pressed against his chest, with both hands on his shoulders. Penetration is vaginal and shallow, and both share the rhythm with small movements of the hips. The raised leg opens her hip, and the stance needs good balance from both.

Why this position works

Being face to face, chest to chest and close enough to kiss gives many couples a strong sense of closeness. Both move, so the rhythm is shared. The shallow penetration and the closeness of the pelvises may let her pubis rub against his body, which some women enjoy. It takes effort and balance, and sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Vigor and Energy Sensory Exploration Difficult High Mobility Required Maximized Clitoral Stimulation Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: on a mat or cushions instead of the floor

The same half-kneeling stance, but on an exercise mat, a folded duvet or cushions placed under both knees.

Padding spares the knees on the floor, which carry much of the weight. A surface that is too soft makes balance harder, so choose something firm and non-slip rather than the mattress.

  1. Lay a firm mat or folded duvet on the floor.
  2. Both place the supporting knee on the padding.
  3. Take up the mirrored stance: his foot forward, her leg over his thigh.
  4. Hold each other firmly before you start moving.

Variation 2: with his arm supporting her raised leg

The same position, but he slides one arm under the knee of her raised leg and holds it, instead of her resting it on his thigh.

With her leg held up by his arm, her hip opens a little more and he can adjust the angle. He has only one arm around her waist, so she should hold his shoulders firmly; it needs more strength from him.

  1. Start in the basic mirrored position.
  2. He slides one forearm under the knee of her raised leg.
  3. He lifts the leg slightly while his other arm stays around her waist.
  4. Move slowly, and lower the leg back onto his thigh if either of you loses balance.

Variation 3: with her back against the side of the bed

The same mirrored stance, set up next to the bed so that she can lean her back against the side of the mattress.

The bed behind her gives a fixed support, so the balance no longer depends only on holding each other. She can relax a little, and he can move with more confidence. Face-to-face contact is kept.

  1. Kneel on the floor next to the bed, with her back to the side of the mattress.
  2. Take up the mirrored stance, her leg over his thigh.
  3. She leans her back against the bed and keeps her hands on his shoulders.
  4. Move slowly with short movements.

✓ Tips
  • Practise on a firm, non-slip surface and put a cushion or folded blanket under the knees on the floor.
  • Hold each other firmly: his arms around her waist and her hands on his shoulders. Stop if either of you feels unsteady.
  • Move slowly and with short movements; with shallow penetration, big movements make the penis slip out.
  • Do not force the hip opening of the raised leg: lower it if it pulls.
  • Switch sides to share the load between knees and hips.
  • Use lubricant if needed and a condom to reduce the risk of STIs.
Interaction type
Shallow vaginal penetration, half-kneeling face to face
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina
Main stimulation
Vagina (shallow penetration), with possible rubbing of the clitoris
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is Mirror suitable for beginners?

Not really: it needs balance, strength in the legs and some hip flexibility. It is easier once you are comfortable with simpler kneeling positions.

Why is it called Mirror?

Because both partners adopt the same half-kneeling stance facing each other, as if each were the reflection of the other.

Is penetration deep?

No, it is shallow. That is why slow, small movements work better than big thrusts.

How can we make it more stable?

Use a non-slip surface, put cushions under your knees and hold each other tightly. If you lose balance often, have her rest her back against the side of the bed (see variation 3).

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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