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Physical effort: Medium Lateral

The Accordion: lying on your sides, head to feet, entry from behind

The Accordion is a side-lying position in which the two bodies lie in opposite directions, head to feet. The receiving partner rests their upper body along the penetrating partner's legs and fits their hips against the partner's pelvis, so penetration comes from behind. It needs a little hip flexibility to fit together, and penetration can be deep.

Also known as: accordion · the accordion position · inverted side-lying position

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Illustration of The Accordion: Both partners lie on their sides in opposite directions, head to feet; their hips interlock so that the penetrating partner enters from behind the receiver.
Anatomy and biomechanics

The penetrating partner lies on their side on the bed or the floor, legs straight. The receiving partner lies on their side in the opposite direction, head towards the partner's feet, upper body resting along the partner's legs, with their buttocks against the partner's pelvis. The receiver's lower leg stretches out straight underneath the partner, towards the partner's head, while the upper leg bends at the knee and drapes over the partner's hip, which opens the pelvis and allows entry from behind. The penetrating partner holds the receiver's hips and sets the rhythm with small movements of the pelvis. Because the bodies point in opposite directions, the penis is angled backwards, so movements should be short and controlled. The heads are at opposite ends: there is no eye contact or kissing, and contact is limited to the hips and legs. The hips of both partners, especially the receiver's, carry the strain of the fit.

Why this position works

It is an unusual, playful position that changes the familiar angle of rear entry: with the hips interlocked in opposite directions, penetration can be deep and the sensations different from those of the spoon. Both partners are lying down, so it does not require strength. Some people enjoy the novelty and the feeling of the legs intertwined. Sensations vary from person to person.

Power Play Sensory Exploration Medium Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: Pillow under the receiver's hip

Same head-to-feet side position, with a firm pillow under the receiver's lower hip to raise the pelvis and ease the fit.

A pillow under the receiver's hip lifts the pelvis slightly, so it lines up better with the partner's and the hip joint is under less strain. The angle becomes a little gentler.

  1. Lie down in the base position, head to feet.
  2. The receiver lifts their hip slightly and the partner slides a firm pillow underneath.
  3. Fit the hips together again, with the receiver's upper leg over the partner's hip.
  4. Start with short movements and adjust the pillow height if needed.

Variation 2: Penetrating partner on one elbow

The penetrating partner raises their upper body onto one elbow, while the receiver stays lying along their legs.

Propped on an elbow, the penetrating partner gains leverage and control over the movement of the pelvis and can see the receiver's back; the angle changes slightly and the free hand stays on the receiver's hip. It tires the supporting shoulder sooner.

  1. Start from the base position, hips fitted together.
  2. The penetrating partner raises their torso and rests on the forearm of the lower arm.
  3. The free hand holds the receiver's hip to guide the rhythm.
  4. Lie back down when the shoulder gets tired.

Variation 3: Upper knee drawn higher

The receiver draws their upper knee further up over the partner's hip, towards their own chest, to open the pelvis more.

Bringing the upper knee higher opens the receiver's pelvis and changes the angle of entry; for some people this makes penetration easier and slightly deeper. It asks for more hip flexibility, so go gradually.

  1. From the base position, the receiver slides the upper knee higher, still over the partner's hip.
  2. The penetrating partner holds the receiver's thigh to steady it.
  3. Try small movements and see how the angle feels.
  4. Lower the knee again if the hip complains.

✓ Tips
  • Fit the hips together slowly before starting: the receiver adjusts the upper leg over the partner's hip until the angle is comfortable.
  • Keep strokes short and controlled: in this inverted fit the penis is bent backwards and can be injured by a sudden or wide movement.
  • A pillow under the receiver's hip or between the knees eases the strain on the hip joint.
  • Use lube if needed and a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections; for anal sex, plenty of lube, a slow start, and never go from anus to vagina without changing the condom.
  • Stop if there is pain in the hips or during penetration, and change position.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, side-lying, head to feet
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina / Anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration from behind, lying on the side with the bodies head to feet
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult?

It is of medium difficulty: it requires no strength, but it does require some hip flexibility and patience to find the fit.

Why is it called the Accordion?

Because the two bodies fold into each other in opposite directions, with the legs interlocked like the folds of an accordion.

Is there eye contact?

No. The heads are at opposite ends, so communication has to be by voice or touch.

Can it be used for anal sex?

Yes, with plenty of lube, a condom and a slow start. The receiver can control the depth by moving their hips closer or further away.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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