The Fan: face down with legs in a V, the penetrating partner seated on top
In the Fan, the receiving partner lies face down, fully supported, with legs spread in a V, and the penetrating partner sits on their buttocks facing their head, leaning back on one hand. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is shallow and the angle is unusual. It is comfortable for the receiving partner; the penetrating partner needs some arm strength and balance.
Also known as: fan position · fan
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies face down with the whole front of the body on the bed, head resting on folded arms and legs straight and spread wide in a V. The penetrating partner sits on their buttocks, facing the same way as their head, and tilts the torso back about 30 degrees. They support themselves with one straight arm behind, palm on the bed beside the receiving partner's thigh; one leg reaches forward with the foot flat beside the receiver's waist, and the other knee is bent and raised. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm with small hip movements and penetration is shallow. The load falls on the penetrating partner's wrist and lower back and on the receiving partner's pelvis, which takes part of their weight. There is no eye contact.
Why this position works
It appeals to people looking for something different: the backward angle and shallow penetration focus sensation at the entrance, and some people find that very stimulating. The receiving partner can relax completely, face down and holding nothing up, while the penetrating partner gets an unusual view and sets the pace. Contact is limited to the pelvis and thighs. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: With a cushion under the pelvis
The receiving partner places a firm cushion under the pelvis, which is slightly raised.
The receiver's pelvis rises and tilts; the penetrating partner needs to lean back less and the angle is more comfortable for both.
- The receiving partner lies face down with a firm cushion under the hips.
- They keep their legs spread in a V.
- The penetrating partner sits on their buttocks, leaning back on one hand.
- Adjust the cushion height until the angle no longer strains the penis.
Variation 2: Leaning back on both hands
The penetrating partner places both hands behind instead of one, with both feet on the bed.
Their weight is shared between two arms: less load on a single wrist and more stability, in exchange for having no hand free.
- From the basic position, the penetrating partner also brings the other hand back.
- They place both palms on the bed, on either side of the receiver's legs.
- They put both feet on the bed, beside the receiving partner's waist.
- Move with short rocking motions of the hips.
Variation 3: Leaning forward
The penetrating partner sits up and leans forward, hands on the bed beside the receiving partner's waist.
Their torso goes from reclined to leaning forward. The penis works at a more natural angle and the wrist gets a rest, although a little more weight goes onto the receiver's pelvis.
- From the basic position, the penetrating partner slowly sits up.
- They bring their hands forward and place them on the bed beside the receiving partner's waist.
- They share their weight between hands and feet so as not to crush the pelvis.
- Move gently; lean back again if the back needs it.
Variation 4: With the legs together
The receiving partner brings their straight legs together and the penetrating partner straddles them from the outside.
The receiver's legs go from a V to closed. The entrance narrows and friction increases, but penetration is even shallower and harder to maintain.
- Lying face down, the receiving partner brings their straight legs together.
- The penetrating partner sits on their buttocks with one knee on each side, outside their legs.
- They lean back on one hand as in the basic position.
- Use lubricant and short movements: if the penis slips out, guide it back in by hand.
✓ Tips
- The penetrating partner should not drop their full weight onto the receiving partner's pelvis: the forward foot and the hand behind share the load.
- The backward angle can strain the penis: keep movements short and controlled, avoid sudden thrusts, and if it slips out, guide it back in by hand.
- If the wrist or lower back tires, switch hands, lean forward or take a break.
- For anal penetration, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and stop if there is pain.
- A cushion under the receiving partner's pelvis can improve the angle and make lying face down more comfortable.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, receiver face down with legs in a V and penetrating partner
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus (entrance)
- Main stimulation
- Shallow vaginal or anal penetration, focused at the entrance
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbian
Frequently asked questions
Are the legs together or apart?
In this position they are straight and spread in a V. Closing them is a variation that narrows the entrance.
Is it deep?
No: because the penetrating partner is sitting and leaning back, penetration is shallow and focused at the entrance.
Is it tiring?
The receiving partner makes almost no effort. The penetrating partner holds the torso up with one arm, so the wrist and lower back feel it; take breaks.
Are there risks?
The backward angle can bend the penis with a sudden movement, and the weight on the pelvis may bother the receiving partner. Short movements and sharing the weight prevent this.
Sources and references
- Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
Related sex positions
The Doggy Style
One person supports themselves on their hands and knees (on all fours); the other kneels behind and penetrates from…
Lazy Dog
A lazy rear-entry position lying down: she lies on her side, rolled towards her front, and he lies on top of and…
The Monkey
The penetrating partner lies on their back with one leg raised straight up; the receiving partner sits on their…
The Staircase
An inverted floor position: the penetrating partner reclines on the hands and the receiving partner kneels over their…
The Wild Horse
A reverse cowgirl leaning forward: he lies on his back, and she kneels astride his hips facing his feet, with her…
The Lion
Posterior penetration position with A-spot, G-spot stimulation.
The Spiral
The receiver lies on their side with their hips at the edge of the bed and their legs together hanging or supported;…
Entangled Spoon
A standing carry: the penetrating partner, in a lunge, holds the receiving partner horizontally in the air, face up,…
The Scorpion
A 69 lying on the side: each person lies in the opposite direction with the face at the other's pelvis, top leg…
The L (Right Angle)
One person lies on their back; the other positions themselves on their side, perpendicular, sliding under their legs…
With Ergonomic Wedge
On the sofa: she lies on her back with one leg resting on his shoulder and the other foot on the floor, while he…
The Doggy on the Edge
The receiver positions themselves on all fours with their knees on the edge of the bed and lowers their torso and…