Pleasure Bench: seated on top facing away, on a reverse tabletop
Pleasure Bench is a demanding position in which the penetrating partner becomes a bench. They sit on the floor, put their hands down behind them, plant their feet and lift their hips until torso and thighs form a sloping surface, knees bent at 90 degrees. The receiving partner sits upright on their pelvis, facing away, with their own feet on the floor and their hands on the partner's knees. Both can move, and penetration, vaginal or anal, tends to be deep. It requires a lot of strength in the arms, shoulders and lower back of the partner underneath, and good balance from both.
Also known as: Bench
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner sits on the floor or on a firm mattress, puts their hands flat behind their shoulders with arms straight, plants their feet hip-width apart with knees bent at 90 degrees and lifts their hips: torso and thighs form a sloping bench, head tilted back. The receiving partner stands with their back to them, between their knees, and sits down slowly on their pelvis, torso upright, knees bent and close together, feet on the floor between the partner's feet. They rest both hands on the partner's knees. The receiving partner can rise and lower by pushing with their feet, and the partner underneath can raise and lower their hips, so the pace is shared. Penetration tends to be deep. The partner underneath supports their own weight and part of the other person's on their hands and feet, so wrists, shoulders and lower back work hard. There is no eye contact and body contact is limited to the pelvis and hands.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it as a physical challenge and for the novelty: the receiving partner has their feet on the floor to control the depth, while the partner underneath can push with their hips. The seated, facing-away angle feels different from other positions; in vaginal sex some women notice pressure on the front wall, and in anal sex between men some feel prostate stimulation, although not always. It is best kept for short moments. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: the hips of the partner underneath on the floor
The penetrating partner lowers their hips to the floor and stays reclined on their hands; the receiving partner sits on their lap facing away.
Only the hips of the partner underneath change: instead of being lifted into a bench, the buttocks rest on the floor or the mattress and they lean back on their hands. The load on the lower back almost disappears and the position becomes much more stable, but the partner underneath can hardly push with the hips, so the receiving partner sets the pace with their legs.
- The penetrating partner sits on the floor, leaning back on straight arms, knees bent and feet flat.
- The receiving partner sits on their lap facing away, feet on the floor.
- They rest their hands on the partner’s knees.
- The receiving partner rises and lowers by pushing with their feet.
Variation 2: the receiving partner leans forward
The receiving partner leans the torso forward and slides the hands from the partner’s knees down to the shins, changing the angle.
Only the torso of the receiving partner changes: instead of sitting upright, they lean forward over their own thighs and hold the partner’s shins. The pelvis tilts, the angle of penetration changes and depth usually decreases a little. More weight goes to the receiving partner’s feet and hands, which relieves the partner underneath.
- Start in the basic position.
- The receiving partner leans the torso forward slowly.
- They slide their hands from the knees down to the shins of the partner underneath.
- Move in short strokes and find the angle that feels best.
Variation 3: upper back on the edge of a sofa
The penetrating partner rests the shoulder blades on the edge of a sofa or bed instead of the hands, like a hip bridge.
Only the support of the partner underneath changes: the shoulders rest on the edge of a sofa or low bed and the hands are free. The wrists rest completely and the bench is more stable; the hips are still lifted with the feet on the floor, and the free hands can hold the receiving partner’s hips.
- The penetrating partner sits on the floor with their back to a sofa or low bed.
- They rest their shoulder blades on the edge and lift their hips, feet flat and knees at 90 degrees.
- The receiving partner sits on their pelvis facing away, feet on the floor.
- The partner underneath holds the receiving partner’s hips and both move in short strokes.
✓ Tips
- The partner underneath carries their own weight and part of the other's on wrists, shoulders and lower back: warm up, keep it short and stop at the first sign of pain or tiredness.
- The receiving partner keeps their feet on the floor and supports most of their own weight with their legs, without dropping onto the partner's pelvis.
- Use a firm, non-slip surface. If the arms of the partner underneath give way, the receiving partner should stand up straight away; stop if either of you feels unstable.
- Keep movements controlled: if the penis slips out and the receiving partner comes down at an angle, it can bend and be injured.
- Use lube and a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections; in anal sex, use plenty of lube, warm up first and go slowly.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration with the receiving partner on top facing away, the other in a reverse ta
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina / Anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration, the receiving partner seated on top and facing away, the other in
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Not really: the partner underneath needs strength in the arms and lower back, and both need balance. To start, try the low version with the hips on the floor (variation 1).
Who controls the movement?
Both: the receiving partner rises and lowers by pushing with their feet, and the partner underneath can lift and lower their hips.
Can it be done with anal penetration?
Yes. Use plenty of lube and a condom, warm up first and let the receiving partner control the depth with their legs.
How can we make it less tiring for the partner underneath?
Lean the upper back on the edge of a sofa or bed instead of the hands (variation 3), or lower the hips to the floor (variation 1).
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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