The Deer Dance: doggy style on the forearms with the chest lowered
The Deer Dance is a rear-entry position with the chest lowered. The receiving partner is on all fours, resting on the knees and forearms rather than the hands, so the chest drops and the hips stay raised. The giving partner kneels upright behind, with one foot planted forward, and holds their hips to set the pace. Penetration, vaginal or anal, can be deep, so it is worth starting slowly. There is no eye contact or kissing.
Also known as: The Stag Dance · Doggy on elbows · Face down, hips up · Backshot
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner kneels on the bed with knees apart and leans forward onto the forearms, so the chest is low and the back slopes down towards the head while the hips stay raised. The giving partner kneels upright directly behind, torso vertical, with one knee on the mattress and the other foot planted slightly forward for stability. Both hands hold the receiving partner's hips to guide the movement. Lowering the chest tilts the pelvis and allows deep penetration; the giving partner controls rhythm and depth. Both partners' knees bear the load, and there is no eye contact or kissing.
Why this position works
Many couples like it because lowering the chest lets the receiving partner relax the arms and back while the giving partner sets a steady rhythm. Penetration can feel deeper than in classic doggy style, which some people enjoy and others find too much, so depth is something to agree on. There is no eye contact, but the hold on the hips and the closeness of the bodies give a sense of connection. A free hand can reach the clitoris if desired. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: with a pillow under the chest
The receiving partner rests the chest and forearms on a firm pillow and relaxes the back.
The position is the same, but the chest rests on the pillow instead of being held up by the arms. The receiving partner takes the strain off the shoulders and neck and can stay longer; the hips remain raised and the angle barely changes.
- Place a firm pillow or a large cushion in front of the receiving partner's knees.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours and lowers the chest and forearms onto the pillow.
- Keep the knees apart and the hips raised.
- The giving partner kneels behind, holds the hips and starts with gentle movements.
Variation 2: the receiving partner rises onto the hands
The receiving partner straightens the arms and lifts the chest, turning it into classic doggy style with somewhat shallower penetration.
Moving from the forearms to the hands brings the back closer to horizontal and tilts the pelvis less, so penetration is usually less deep. The receiving partner can push back with the arms, but the wrists take some load.
- From the base position, the receiving partner places the hands on the bed under the shoulders.
- Straighten the arms and lift the chest until the back is almost horizontal.
- The giving partner stays kneeling behind, holding the hips.
- If the base position feels too deep, stay in this one.
Variation 3: the receiving partner brings the knees together
The receiving partner brings the knees together and the giving partner kneels astride them, for a tighter feel and shallower penetration.
With the knees together, the receiving partner's thighs close and the entrance feels tighter; penetration is usually less deep and the friction greater. The giving partner spreads the knees on either side of the partner's knees. The rest of the position stays the same.
- From the base position, the receiving partner brings the knees together without lowering the hips.
- The giving partner spreads the knees and places them on either side of the partner's knees.
- Hold the hips and resume the movement calmly.
- If penetration is difficult, add lubricant.
Variation 4: the giving partner leans over the receiving partner's back
The giving partner leans forward until the chest touches the partner's back, hands on the bed beside the partner's arms.
The giving partner is no longer upright: the hands rest on either side of the receiving partner and the chest brushes their back. Body contact increases and the movement becomes shorter and more enveloping; penetration is usually somewhat shallower. The giving partner should not drop their weight onto the partner's back.
- From the base position, the giving partner leans forward without pulling out.
- Place the hands on the bed on either side of the receiving partner's forearms.
- Let the chest brush the partner's back while keeping the weight on your own hands and knees.
- Move with short, gentle thrusts.
Variation 5: the receiving partner sets the pace by rocking back
The giving partner stays still on the knees while the receiving partner rocks back and forth on the forearms.
The position stays the same, but the movement passes to the receiving partner: pushing off the forearms, they rock the pelvis back and decide depth and speed. It is useful at the start or when the depth of the base position feels like too much.
- Get into the base position.
- The giving partner stops moving and keeps the hands on the hips without pulling.
- The receiving partner pushes off the forearms and rocks the pelvis back, as far as feels comfortable.
- Take turns setting the pace if you like.
✓ Tips
- Start slowly and with shallow movements: with the chest lowered, penetration can go deeper than expected. Agree on a signal to slow down.
- Use plenty of lubricant, especially for anal penetration, and a condom to protect against STIs.
- Do not switch from anal to vaginal penetration without changing the condom and washing.
- Keep thrusts controlled: if the penis slips out and hits the buttocks or perineum when thrusting hard, it can bend painfully.
- Put a folded blanket or cushion under the knees of both partners if the surface is hard.
- The giving partner can free one hand from the hips to stimulate the clitoris, or the receiving partner can use a toy.
- Stop or change position if anything hurts.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration from behind, on all fours on the forearms
- Active anatomy
- Penis; hands on the hips
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus; clitoris (by hand, optional)
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration from behind, with the receiving partner's chest lowered; optional m
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from classic doggy style?
The receiving partner rests on the forearms instead of the hands, so the chest is lower and the hips higher. This changes the angle and usually allows deeper penetration.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is not physically demanding, but it is best to start slowly because of the depth. If it feels too deep, try variation 2 (on the hands) or variation 3 (knees together).
Can it be used for anal sex?
Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start with gentle movements, and stop if there is pain. Do not switch to vaginal penetration without changing the condom.
What if the knees hurt?
Use a soft surface or a folded blanket under the knees, take breaks, or move to a position that puts less load on them.
Safety and evidence
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.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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