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Physical effort: Low Frontal

The Lightning Bolt: face to face, with him lying diagonally across her

The Lightning Bolt is a relaxed, face-to-face position with shallow penetration. She lies on her back with one leg straight and the other bent, knee raised; he lies diagonally across her and partly on top, his body turned half onto his side, legs stretched out alongside hers, propped on one forearm beside her chest. Their faces stay close, so they can kiss on the mouth and he can kiss her chest. The effort is low and the contact between the bodies is wide.

Also known as: Sideways missionary · Diagonal missionary

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Illustration of The Lightning Bolt: A gentle face-to-face position: she lies on her back and he lies diagonally across her, turned half onto his side and propped on one forearm, with shallow penet
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on her back on the bed, head turned slightly towards him, arms relaxed. One leg stays straight and the other bends with the knee raised, outside his body, which opens the hips. The penetrating partner lies diagonally across her and partly on top, his body turned half onto his side, with his legs straight and stretched out alongside hers. He props himself on the forearm and hip that are on the bed, beside her chest, and rests his other hand on her waist; part of his chest rests on her. The diagonal angle allows only shallow penetration, with short movements from his hips. Their faces are close, which makes kissing on the mouth and the chest easy. He sets the pace; his weight goes onto his forearm and her chest, not her abdomen.

Why this position works

Some couples like it because it is slow and affectionate: the faces stay close, the bodies touch along much of their length and there is room for long kisses on the mouth and chest. Shallow penetration focuses on the entrance of the vagina, which many people find very sensitive, and suits moments when you do not want intense or deep movement. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Relaxation and Surrender Complete Rhythm Control Easy Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: her bent leg over his hip

Instead of keeping her bent knee raised beside him, she rests that leg over his hip or lower back.

Hooking the leg over him draws their pelvises closer, so penetration becomes a little less shallow and the contact tighter. She can also use the leg to pull him in and influence the rhythm.

  1. Start from the base position, with her on her back and him diagonally across her on one forearm.
  2. She lifts her bent leg and places it over his hip or the small of his back.
  3. He moves closer, keeping his weight on his forearm.
  4. She can gently press with her leg to set the pace; if the hip strains, she lowers it again.

Variation 2: she turns slightly onto her side towards him

She rolls a little onto her side, towards him, so both bodies are half turned and face each other more directly.

With both partners half on their sides, less of his weight rests on her chest and the faces are level, so kissing is even easier. Penetration stays shallow; her upper leg stays bent and open to leave room.

  1. From the base position, she rolls slightly towards him, placing a pillow behind her back if she likes.
  2. She keeps her upper leg bent and open, with the knee raised.
  3. He stays propped on his forearm, legs alongside hers, and adjusts the angle of his hips.
  4. Move gently, with short strokes, and kiss at face level.

Variation 3: a pillow under her hips

She places a flat, firm pillow under her hips before he lies diagonally across her.

The pillow raises and tilts her pelvis, which makes it easier to keep the penis in place and lets penetration go a little deeper. His position does not change; he may need to bend his supporting arm a little more.

  1. She lies on her back with a flat, firm pillow under her hips.
  2. She keeps one leg straight and bends the other with the knee raised.
  3. He lies diagonally across her, turned half onto his side and propped on his forearm.
  4. Adjust the thickness of the pillow until penetration feels comfortable and stable.

✓ Tips
  • He should keep most of his weight on his forearm and hip; if his chest rests on hers, check that she can breathe comfortably.
  • Use a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy, and lubricant if needed.
  • His hand on her waist, or her own hand, can easily reach the clitoris.
  • If his supporting arm tires, swap sides or slide a pillow under his elbow.
  • Penetration is shallow: if it keeps slipping out, she can open the bent knee a little more.
Interaction type
Shallow face-to-face vaginal penetration, with him lying diagonally
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina
Main stimulation
Shallow vaginal penetration, with kissing on the mouth and chest
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it a side-lying position?

Not quite: she is on her back and only his body is turned half onto its side, lying diagonally across her. That is why they stay face to face and can kiss.

Why is penetration shallow?

The diagonal angle and his straight legs limit how far the penis can go in. For many couples that is part of the appeal: the entrance of the vagina is very sensitive.

Does he put a lot of weight on her?

Part of his chest rests on hers, but most of his weight should go onto his forearm and hip on the bed. If it feels heavy, he can turn a little more onto his side.

Can clitoral stimulation be added?

Yes. His free hand, or hers, can reach the clitoris easily, and many women need it to reach orgasm.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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