Reverse Cowgirl: seated, facing away and leaning forward
Reverse Cowgirl, in this version, is a seated reverse straddle. He sits upright on the bed with his legs stretched out in front of him. She straddles his lap facing his feet, then folds her torso forward along his legs until her hands rest flat on the bed beyond his feet, with her legs spread wide and stretched back on either side of his hips. She sets the pace, penetration tends to be shallow, and the position asks for good hip flexibility.
Also known as: Sledge · Seated reverse cowgirl · Forward-leaning reverse cowgirl
Anatomy and biomechanics
He sits on his buttocks with no back support, torso upright and legs straight out in front; his hands hold her buttocks to steady her. She sits astride his lap facing away from him, towards his feet, and leans her whole torso forward over his legs until her hands are flat on the bed past his feet. Her legs open very wide and extend backwards on either side of his hips, close to a split. Her weight is shared between her hands and her pelvis resting on his lap, so the main load falls on her wrists and hips. She controls the movement by rocking and gliding her pelvis; the forward lean keeps penetration shallow. There is no eye contact and no kissing, and her belly stays free.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it because she is fully in charge of the rhythm and can explore short, shallow movements at the entrance of the vagina, an area many people find sensitive. He gets an unusual view and can guide her hips with his hands. It also suits couples who like a slightly playful, acrobatic change from the classic reverse cowgirl. It is not a position for eye contact or kissing, and how it feels varies from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: knees bent on the bed
She keeps her knees bent on the bed beside his hips instead of stretching her legs back.
Instead of stretching her legs back almost into a split, she bends her knees and rests her shins on the bed on either side of his hips. This needs far less hip flexibility and makes it easier for her to lift and lower her pelvis; she still leans forward with her hands on the bed.
- He sits upright on the bed with his legs stretched out in front.
- She kneels astride his lap facing his feet, with her knees and shins on the bed beside his hips.
- She leans forward and places her hands on the bed beyond his feet, or on his shins.
- She moves by rocking her pelvis, using her knees to adjust height and depth.
Variation 2: he leans back on his hands
He leans back on his hands or against the headboard instead of sitting fully upright.
He leans his torso back, propped on his hands behind him or against pillows and the headboard. This rests his lower back and slightly lowers his lap, which changes the angle of entry; he can no longer hold her buttocks, so she relies more on her hands for balance.
- He sits with his legs stretched out and leans back on his hands, or against pillows on the headboard.
- She straddles his lap facing his feet and leans forward with her hands on the bed.
- She stretches her legs back only as far as is comfortable.
- She sets a slow, gliding rhythm while he keeps still or makes small movements with his hips.
Variation 3: forearms on his shins
She rests her forearms on his shins instead of reaching her hands down to the bed.
Rather than reaching past his feet with straight arms, she lowers her torso a little further and rests her forearms on his shins or knees. This takes the load off her wrists and brings her chest closer to his legs; the movement becomes smaller and slower.
- He sits upright with his legs stretched out; a pillow over his shins makes the support softer.
- She straddles his lap facing his feet and leans forward.
- She rests her forearms on his shins or knees instead of placing her hands on the bed.
- She moves with small, slow rocks of her pelvis while he steadies her hips with his hands.
✓ Tips
- Get into position gradually: she straddles him first and only then leans forward and stretches her legs back as far as her hips allow; she does not have to reach a full split.
- She should keep her elbows slightly soft and spread her weight between her hands and her pelvis to avoid straining her wrists.
- Move with gentle rocking and gliding rather than lifting high: if the penis slips out and she drops back down at an angle, it can bend. Guide it back in by hand.
- He can place a pillow behind his back or lean against the headboard if sitting upright without support tires his lower back.
- Use lubricant and a condom if you need protection against STIs or pregnancy, and stop at any sign of pain in the hips, groin or wrists.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal penetration with her on top, facing away and leaning forward
- Active anatomy
- Penile
- Receptive anatomy
- Vaginal
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal entrance and the first part of the vagina (shallow penetration)
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the classic reverse cowgirl?
Not quite. In the classic reverse cowgirl he lies on his back; here he sits upright with his legs stretched out, and she leans far forward with her hands on the bed and her legs stretched back.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It is better for couples with some experience. She needs quite a lot of hip flexibility to open and stretch her legs back, and some wrist strength. Kneeling on the bed instead (variation 1) is an easier way in.
Why does penetration feel shallow?
Because she leans far forward, the angle limits how deep the penis can go. Many people enjoy this, as the entrance of the vagina is sensitive; anyone wanting more depth can sit more upright.
Is there any risk for the penis?
As with any position where the receiving partner is on top, a sharp movement when the penis has slipped out can bend it. Keep the movements controlled and guide it back in by hand.
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.
G-spot: what the evidence says
The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.
Anatomical variability
Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.
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.
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 ·
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