Prone Bone for gay men: face-down rear-entry anal sex
Prone Bone is one of the best-known rear-entry positions among gay and bisexual men. The receiving partner lies face down and the penetrating partner lies over him, chest pressed to his back. It takes little effort, lets the partner underneath relax completely and offers a lot of skin-to-skin contact. With plenty of lube and an unhurried pace, it suits experienced couples and people who are new to anal sex alike.
Also known as: Flat doggy · Lazy doggy · Prone-bone
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies face down with his chest and belly on the bed or floor, arms stretched out in front and knees bent so the feet point upwards. The penetrating partner lies over him from behind: his thighs and knees rest on the floor behind his partner's hips, and he holds his upper body up on one straight arm with the hand on the floor, while his chest rests on his partner's back. The free hand can caress, hold a hip or guide the penis. Penetration is anal and usually reaches a medium depth, since the partner's buttocks and legs limit how far it goes. There is lots of body contact but no eye contact. The partner on top sets the rhythm; the partner underneath has little room to move and steers with words or small movements of the hips. One difference that matters for two men: the receiving partner's penis and testicles end up pressed against the bed, so it helps to settle them comfortably before you start.
Why this position works
Many men enjoy Prone Bone because the receiving partner does not have to hold his own weight and can let go completely, while the partner on top moves with little effort. Feeling a partner's chest on your back and his kisses on your neck can be very enveloping. Entering from behind, the penis may press towards the prostate for some people, although that does not always happen and not everyone finds it pleasurable. Some also like the friction of their own penis against the sheets or a pillow. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: with a pillow under the hips
A firm pillow under the receiving partner's hips lifts them, changes the angle and leaves room for his penis and testicles.
With a firm pillow under his pelvis, the receiving partner's hips rise a little. Many people find the angle of entry more comfortable, it may help point the penis towards the prostate and, above all, it frees the penis and testicles of the partner underneath so they are no longer squashed against the bed.
- The receiving partner lies face down with a firm pillow under his hips and settles his penis comfortably.
- The penetrating partner lies over him from behind, knees on the floor and one straight arm for support.
- Try different pillow heights and adjust the pace until you find the angle that works for you both.
Variation 2: a closer hold, on the forearms
The partner on top drops onto his forearms and holds his partner close: more contact and less strain on the wrist.
The penetrating partner moves from one straight arm onto both forearms, either side of his partner's shoulders, and can wrap his arms around them. The bodies are pressed closer, the neck is within reach for kisses and the wrist gets a rest, but more weight falls on the partner underneath.
- Start in the basic position: the receiving partner face down, the penetrating partner on his knees and one straight arm.
- The partner on top lowers onto his forearms, either side of his partner's shoulders, and can hold him.
- Keep some of your weight on your forearms and knees, and check that your partner can breathe comfortably.
Variation 3: with the legs closed
The receiving partner straightens and closes his legs: it feels snugger and penetration is shallower.
The receiving partner straightens his legs and keeps them together, and the penetrating partner places his knees either side of his thighs. The buttocks close up, entry feels snugger and penetration is usually shallower, which some people prefer when they want to take things more slowly.
- The receiving partner lies face down with his legs straight and together.
- The penetrating partner lies over him, knees either side of his partner's thighs, supported on one arm.
- Use extra lube and start slowly, as entry is tighter with the legs closed.
Tips and common mistakes
✓ Tips
- Use plenty of lube, water- or silicone-based if you are using latex condoms, and reapply whenever you need to.
- Use a condom, and change it if you switch from anal to another kind of sex.
- Warm up first: foreplay, fingers or a small toy with lube help the anus relax.
- Go in slowly and let the receiving partner say when to go further; agree on a simple signal to slow down or stop.
- The receiving partner can point his penis up or to one side, or put a pillow under his hips, so his penis and testicles are not squashed.
✗ Mistakes to avoid
- Letting all your weight drop onto your partner's back: share it between your knees and your supporting arm.
- Thrusting hard from the start: the anus needs time to relax, and pain is a signal to stop.
- Pushing back in blindly if the penis slips out: guide it with your hand.
- Keeping your weight on one hand for too long: if the wrist starts to ache, switch arms or drop onto your forearms.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Anal penetration from behind, lying face down
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Anus and rectum (possible prostate stimulation)
- Main stimulation
- Anal penetration from behind, medium depth
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Gay
Frequently asked questions
Is Prone Bone a good position for first-time anal sex?
It can be, because the receiving partner is relaxed and fully supported. Preparation is what matters most: plenty of lube, a condom, foreplay and going in very slowly. As he has little room to move, the partner underneath should say out loud when to slow down. If there is pain, stop.
Does Prone Bone stimulate the prostate?
It can. Entering from behind points the penis towards the front wall of the rectum, where the prostate sits, and some men feel it strongly. Others feel little or prefer a different angle. A pillow under the hips changes the tilt and makes it easy to experiment.
What if it is uncomfortable to have my penis pressed against the bed?
Point it up towards your belly or to one side before your partner lies on top of you. A pillow under your hips leaves more room and often makes entry more comfortable too. If you like, you can slide a hand underneath to touch yourself.
Can the partner underneath control the pace?
Only partly: he can push his hips back or down a little, but the partner on top sets the rhythm. That is why it helps to keep talking and to agree beforehand on a word or gesture to slow down or stop.
Safety and evidence
This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.
Lubrication and comfort
When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.
Anal sex: care and prevention
The anus does not lubricate itself and its lining is thin. Plenty of lubricant, a condom, going slowly and being able to stop at any moment make it more comfortable and lower the risk of injury and infection.
Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs
It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.
STI protection: condoms and dental dams
A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.
Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·