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Physical effort: Medium Frontal

The Captain: face-to-face penetration with legs raised in a V

The Captain is a face-to-face position that builds on the kneeling missionary. The receiving partner lies flat on their back and lifts both legs straight up, opening them wide in a V. The penetrating partner kneels upright between them, under the raised hips, and holds the receiver's ankles or calves, which gives them control over angle, depth and rhythm. Penetration can be vaginal or anal and tends to be deep; the receiving partner has a hand free for the clitoris, and the two can look at each other throughout.

Also known as: Captain · Legs-up V position

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Illustration of The Captain: Face-to-face penetration: the receiving partner lies back with legs raised in a V, held by the ankles by the kneeling partner.
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their back with the head on the bed, the buttocks and back fully supported. Both legs go up straight and open wide in a V, which needs flexible hamstrings and inner thighs; one hand can rest on the lower belly or reach the clitoris. The penetrating partner kneels upright with the torso vertical, knees on the mattress under the receiver's raised hips, and holds one ankle or calf in each hand. By pulling the legs gently towards them or opening them wider, the penetrating partner adjusts the angle and depth; they also set the pace. The receiver's belly is free of pressure. There is eye contact but the faces are too far apart to kiss. The load falls on the receiver's hips and the penetrating partner's knees.

Why this position works

Some couples enjoy the visual contact and the feeling of one partner guiding the movement while the other relaxes on their back. With the legs raised, the pelvis tilts and penetration can reach deeper, which some people find intense and others find too much, so it is worth starting slowly. The receiving partner's free hand can add clitoral stimulation, which many women need to reach orgasm. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Sensory Exploration Complete Rhythm Control Medium Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: ankles on the shoulders

The receiving partner rests their ankles on the penetrating partner's shoulders instead of opening the legs in a V.

The legs stay raised and straight but close together, resting on the penetrating partner's shoulders. Less hip opening is needed and the legs no longer have to be held, but the pelvis tilts even more, so penetration can feel deeper and tighter. Go slowly at first.

  1. The receiving partner lies on their back and raises both legs.
  2. The penetrating partner kneels upright under the raised hips.
  3. The receiving partner rests both ankles on the penetrating partner's shoulders.
  4. Start with slow, shallow movements and adjust depth by leaning forward or back.

Variation 2: pillow under the hips

A firm pillow under the receiving partner's hips raises the pelvis to the right height.

Raising the hips with a pillow brings the pelvis level with the kneeling partner, so they do not have to hold the legs up as much or sink down. The lower back of the receiving partner is supported, and the angle can feel more comfortable, especially for anal sex.

  1. Place a firm pillow under the receiving partner's buttocks and lower back.
  2. The receiving partner raises both legs in a V.
  3. The penetrating partner kneels between them and holds the ankles.
  4. Adjust the pillow's height until both are aligned without strain.

Variation 3: knees slightly bent

The receiving partner bends the knees a little to ease the stretch while keeping the legs open.

Instead of fully straight legs, the receiving partner softens the knees, and the penetrating partner holds the calves rather than the ankles. The stretch on the hamstrings and inner thighs drops a lot, which makes the position accessible with less flexibility; penetration is usually a little less deep.

  1. The receiving partner lies on their back and raises the legs, opening them in a V.
  2. They bend the knees slightly until the stretch is comfortable.
  3. The penetrating partner kneels between the legs and holds the calves.
  4. Keep a steady, moderate pace and check in about comfort.

Variation 4: kissing the feet

The penetrating partner brings one of the receiver's feet to their mouth to kiss or caress it.

The posture does not change, but the penetrating partner lifts one ankle a little closer and kisses or strokes the foot and ankle while moving slowly. It adds a sensual element that some people enjoy; others are ticklish or do not like it, so ask first.

  1. Get into the basic position, with the legs raised in a V.
  2. The penetrating partner slows the pace and brings one foot towards their face.
  3. They kiss or caress the sole, toes or ankle while keeping the other leg held.
  4. Stop or switch to the other foot depending on how the receiving partner reacts.

✓ Tips
  • Open the legs only as far as the hips allow; the V does not need to be wide to work.
  • The penetrating partner holds the ankles to guide, not to force the legs apart.
  • Start with shallow, slow movements: with the legs raised, penetration can go deeper than expected. Stop if there is pain.
  • For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and never switch from anal to vaginal without changing the condom.
  • A cushion under the penetrating partner's knees and a firm mattress make the kneeling position easier to hold.
Interaction type
Face-to-face vaginal or anal penetration with legs raised in a V
Active anatomy
Penis (hands on the ankles)
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus; clitoris with own hand
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration; clitoris with the hand
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is The Captain suitable for beginners?

Yes, if the receiving partner has some flexibility or bends the knees slightly. The penetrating partner should start slowly, because the raised legs allow deeper penetration.

Does this position stimulate the G-spot?

The raised legs tilt the pelvis, and some people feel more pressure on the front wall of the vagina. It depends on each body; it is a possibility, not a guarantee.

Can it be used for anal sex?

Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start with gentle movements and stop if it hurts. A pillow under the hips helps align the angle.

What if the receiving partner's legs get tired?

Rest the ankles on the penetrating partner's shoulders or bend the knees slightly (see the variations).

Safety and evidence 2 topics · 3 clinical and academic references

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.

Sources
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005. PubMed ↗
Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021. PubMed ↗

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.

Sources
Chua Chee Ann. A proposal for a radical new sex therapy technique… the AFE Zone Stimulation Technique. Sexual and Marital Therapy. 1997. Original article ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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