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Physical effort: Medium Adapted

The Catapult: legs raised together at the edge of the bed, partner standing

The Catapult is a deep penetration position at the edge of the bed. The receiving partner lies on their back with the buttocks right at the edge and raises both legs, straight and together, against the chest and one shoulder of the penetrating partner, who stands on the floor facing them and leans forward with the hands on the mattress. Penetration can be vaginal or anal. There is eye contact, the raised legs stay between the two torsos, and the person standing sets the pace.

Also known as: Legs up · Legs on shoulders · Legs up at the edge of the bed

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Illustration of The Catapult: The receiving partner lies on their back with the buttocks at the edge of the bed and raises both legs, straight and together, resting the calves against the ch
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their back with the buttocks at the very edge of the bed and the arms relaxed above the head. They raise both legs together, straight and close to vertical, so the calves rest against the chest and one shoulder of their partner. The penetrating partner stands on the floor facing them, feet apart, and leans forward with straight arms and the hands flat on the mattress on either side of their partner's torso. The receiving partner's hips are flexed and the knees extended: the pelvis tilts upwards and the thighs stay close together, so penetration tends to feel tighter and can be deep. The person standing controls depth and rhythm with the hips. The receiving partner needs some flexibility at the back of the thighs; the standing partner loads the wrists and lower back. The bed should bring the receiver's pelvis roughly level with the standing partner's hips.

Why this position works

Some people like it because the legs held together make penetration feel tighter, and because the receiving partner can relax completely while the other sets the pace. Depending on each body, the raised pelvis may bring the penis against the front wall of the vagina, an area some people find especially pleasurable, though it does not happen for everyone. There is eye contact, and standing at the edge of the bed gives the penetrating partner freedom of movement. Sensations vary from person to person: some enjoy the depth, others find it too much.

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

Variations of this position

Variation 1: legs raised and open in a V

The receiving partner keeps the legs raised but opens them in a V, with each ankle near one of the standing partner's shoulders.

Opening the thighs makes penetration a little less tight and usually less deep, and leaves the clitoris accessible, so either partner can add manual stimulation. The standing partner leans on one hand or holds an ankle, freeing the other hand.

  1. Start in the Catapult with the legs together against your partner's chest.
  2. Open the legs into a V, resting each ankle near one of their shoulders.
  3. The standing partner holds one ankle and keeps the other hand free for caresses.
  4. Adjust how wide the legs open until the angle is comfortable for both.

Variation 2: firm pillow under the hips

A firm pillow or wedge under the receiving partner's hips raises the pelvis at the edge of the bed.

The pelvis rises a few centimetres and tilts further upwards. It helps when the bed is low for the standing partner and changes the angle of penetration slightly; the legs stay together and raised.

  1. Place a firm pillow or wedge at the edge of the bed.
  2. Lie back with the hips on it and the buttocks at the edge.
  3. Raise the legs together against your partner's chest and shoulder.
  4. Check the height: the pelvis should be level with the standing partner's hips.

Variation 3: one leg on the shoulder, the other bent

Only one leg rests straight against the standing partner's shoulder; the other is bent with the foot on the edge of the bed.

There is less stretch at the back of the thighs and the angle becomes slightly diagonal. Penetration is somewhat less tight and the position is easier to hold for longer, which helps if the hamstrings tire.

  1. From the Catapult, lower one leg.
  2. Bend that knee and rest the foot on the edge of the bed or against your partner's hip.
  3. Keep the other leg straight against their chest and shoulder.
  4. Switch legs whenever you want.

Variation 4: knees bent, feet on the partner's chest

Instead of straight legs, the receiving partner bends the knees and places the soles of both feet on the standing partner's chest.

It needs much less flexibility than straight legs. The pelvis stays tilted upwards and the thighs together, and the receiving partner can regulate depth by pushing gently with the feet.

  1. Lie with the buttocks at the edge of the bed, as in the Catapult.
  2. Bend the knees and keep them together.
  3. Place the soles of both feet flat on your partner's chest.
  4. Push gently with the feet to slow down or limit depth.

Variation 5: the standing partner straightens up and holds the legs

The standing partner straightens up and holds the raised legs against the chest with both arms, instead of leaning on the mattress.

No weight goes on the wrists and the standing partner keeps the back more upright while controlling the position of the legs. With less forward lean, penetration is usually a little shallower. A firm, stable stance is essential.

  1. Start in the Catapult.
  2. The standing partner straightens the back and lifts the hands off the mattress.
  3. Wrap both arms around the raised legs, holding them against the chest.
  4. Keep the feet apart and move with short, controlled thrusts.

✓ Tips
  • Adjust the height: if the bed is low, the standing partner can bend the knees or kneel on a firm cushion; if it is high, the receiver can lie on a firm pillow.
  • Check that the bed does not slide and the floor is not slippery; stand with the feet apart and stop if you feel unstable.
  • Start slowly: with the legs raised, penetration is deep. Lower the legs a little or pause if there is pain.
  • Use lubricant; for anal sex, plenty of it and a condom, and go slowly.
  • Thrust with control: if the penis slips out, do not push hard against the body, as an erect penis can bend and be injured.
  • If the back of the thighs pulls, bend the knees slightly; the standing partner can straighten up now and then to rest the wrists and lower back.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration at the edge of the bed, with the penetrating partner standing and the re
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration with the legs together
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people HeteroLesbian

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be flexible?

Some flexibility at the back of the thighs helps. If it pulls, bend the knees a little or try the variation with the feet on your partner's chest.

How high should the bed be?

The receiving partner's pelvis should be roughly level with the standing partner's hips. Bending the knees, kneeling on a firm cushion or adding a pillow under the hips corrects small differences.

Does it stimulate the G-spot?

It can for some people: the raised pelvis may direct penetration towards the front wall of the vagina. It depends on anatomy and is not guaranteed.

Can it be used for anal sex?

Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start very slowly and stop if there is pain. With the legs together the entry is tighter, so preparation matters.

Safety and evidence 1 topic · 2 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 ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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