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Physical effort: Medium Frontal

The Eagle: face-to-face position with legs raised high in a V

The Eagle is a face-to-face position lying down, a variation of the missionary. The receiving partner lies on their back and raises both legs high, straight and spread wide in a V, like the wings that give it its name. The penetrating partner lies on top between the legs, supported on the hands and knees, chest close to chest. Raising the legs allows deeper penetration, and the faces stay close for kissing and eye contact. It requires some hip flexibility from the receiver.

Also known as: Eagle · Spread eagle

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Illustration of The Eagle: Face to face lying down: the receiver raises both legs high and spreads them in a V while the partner lies on top, supported on hands and knees.
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their back on the bed, arms at the sides, one hand on the partner's waist. Both legs are raised high in the air, knees straight, and spread wide in a V, without resting on the partner. The penetrating partner lies on top between the raised legs, facing them, chest close to chest; the hands rest on the bed beside the receiver's shoulders and the knees on the mattress, lower legs stretched back. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is deep, because raised legs tilt the pelvis up. The giver sets the pace with movements of the hips. Part of the giver's weight rests on the receiver's torso, and keeping the legs up and open takes effort and hip flexibility.

Why this position works

It keeps everything people like about the missionary, such as eye contact, kissing and chest-to-chest contact, and adds deeper penetration thanks to the raised legs. Many couples find the open position visually and emotionally intense. The receiver's hands are free to hold the partner or to add clitoral stimulation. Some people enjoy the feeling of fullness, while others find it too deep: sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Sensory Exploration Medium Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: legs held with the hands

The receiving partner holds the raised legs behind the knees or by the ankles to keep the V without effort.

The legs stay high and open, but the hands take the effort off the hip muscles. The receiver can also pull the legs slightly towards the chest, which raises the pelvis a little more and makes penetration deeper.

  1. The receiver lies on their back and raises both legs.
  2. They hold each leg behind the knee or by the ankle and open them in a V.
  3. The penetrating partner lies on top between the legs, supported on hands and knees.
  4. Start slowly: pulling the legs towards the chest increases depth.

Variation 2: cushion under the hips

A firm cushion under the receiver's hips raises the pelvis and makes it easier to keep the legs up.

With the pelvis already raised by the cushion, the receiver needs less effort to hold the legs in the air, and the lower back is better supported. The angle of entry changes slightly and the penetration stays deep.

  1. Place a firm cushion or folded pillow under the receiver's hips.
  2. The receiver lies back on it and raises the legs in a V.
  3. The penetrating partner lies on top, supported on hands and knees.
  4. Adjust the height of the cushion until the lower back feels comfortable.

Variation 3: pelvis-to-pelvis circles

Instead of in-and-out thrusts, the penetrating partner presses the pelvis against the receiver's and moves it in small circles.

The posture is the same; only the movement changes. Staying deep and grinding in circles keeps the pubic bones in contact, which some people find pleasant for the clitoris. It is a slower, less tiring rhythm for both.

  1. Settle into the basic position, legs raised in a V.
  2. The penetrating partner enters fully and lowers the pelvis against the receiver's.
  3. Instead of thrusting, they move the hips in small circles.
  4. Let the receiver guide with the hand on the waist: faster, slower or back to thrusts.

Variation 4: knees bent

The receiving partner keeps the legs raised and open but bends the knees instead of keeping them straight.

Bent knees need far less hip flexibility and hamstring stretch, so the position is easier to hold. The pelvis rises a little less, so penetration is slightly shallower than with straight legs.

  1. The receiver lies on their back and lifts the legs with the knees bent.
  2. They open the knees wide, feet in the air.
  3. The penetrating partner lies on top between the legs, supported on hands and knees.
  4. Straighten the legs gradually if you want to go deeper.

✓ Tips
  • Warm up and open the legs only as far as is comfortable; the receiver can hold the legs behind the knees to rest (variation 1).
  • The penetrating partner should take most of the weight on the hands and knees, not on the receiver's torso.
  • Penetration can be very deep: start slowly and let the receiver say how far.
  • Use lubricant; for anal sex, use plenty of it, along with a condom, and go slowly.
  • Keep thrusts controlled: if the penis slips out and you thrust again at an angle, it can bend and get injured.
  • Stop if there is pain in the hips, the lower back or during penetration.
Interaction type
Face-to-face vaginal or anal penetration, lying down
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration face to face, with the receiver's legs raised
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

If you are comfortable with the missionary, it is the next step. The hard part is keeping the legs high and open: start with bent knees (variation 4) or hold the legs with your hands.

Why is penetration deeper?

Raising the legs tilts the pelvis upwards and changes the angle of entry. That is why it is worth starting slowly: deep is not always more pleasant.

What if my hips or legs get tired?

Hold the legs behind the knees or the ankles, bend the knees a little or put a cushion under the hips. You can also lower the legs and rest them on the bed for a while.

Can we add clitoral stimulation?

Yes: the receiver's hands are free. Pressing the pelvises together with small circles (variation 3) can also help.

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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