The Monkey: reverse sitting position hugging your partner's raised leg
The Monkey is a reverse sitting position for vaginal or anal sex with a distinctive detail: the partner underneath raises one leg straight up and the receiving partner hugs it. The penetrating partner lies on their back, slightly turned, with the other leg stretched along the bed. The receiver sits on their pelvis facing their feet, knees pulled up to the chest and feet flat, and wraps both arms around the raised leg. The receiver sets the pace and depth by rising and lowering on the feet.
Also known as: Ape · Reverse cowgirl with a raised leg
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner lies on their back with the torso slightly turned, one leg stretched out on the bed and the other raised vertically toward the ceiling. The receiving partner sits on their pelvis facing away from their head, toward their feet, with the knees drawn up to the chest and the feet flat on the bed on either side. The receiver hugs the raised leg against the shoulder with both arms, using it as a support to move. From there the receiver rises and lowers by pushing through the feet, controlling the rhythm; the angle allows deep penetration. The partner underneath barely moves and needs hip flexibility to keep the leg up. There is no eye contact.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because the receiver has a firm handle, the raised leg, and full control over rhythm and depth, which many people find reassuring. The angle allows deep penetration, which some enjoy and others prefer to keep shallower. The partner underneath can relax and enjoy the view and the hug around the leg. It asks for hip flexibility from the partner underneath and strong legs from the receiver.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: the raised leg bent at the knee
The partner underneath bends the knee of the raised leg, and the receiver hugs the shin and knee instead of a straight leg.
Bending the knee removes most of the stretch on the hip and hamstrings, so the partner underneath can hold it longer; the receiver keeps a support close to the chest.
- The partner underneath lies back and raises one leg with the knee bent.
- The receiver sits on their pelvis facing their feet, knees drawn up.
- The receiver hugs the bent leg at the shin and knee.
- The receiver moves up and down slowly on the feet.
Variation 2: the receiver leans forward on the raised leg
The receiver leans the torso forward and rests the chest and cheek against the raised leg, still hugging it.
Leaning forward tilts the receiver's pelvis and changes the angle of penetration; the movement becomes a shorter rocking instead of rising and lowering.
- Start in the basic position.
- The receiver leans the torso forward against the raised leg.
- The receiver keeps hugging the leg for support.
- Rock the pelvis back and forth with small movements.
Variation 3: a cushion under the hips of the partner underneath
A firm cushion goes under the pelvis of the partner lying down, raising it a few centimetres.
With the pelvis raised, the partner underneath finds it easier to keep the leg vertical and the receiver needs to lower less, which eases the knees.
- The partner underneath places a firm cushion under the pelvis before lying back.
- They raise one leg vertically and stretch the other.
- The receiver sits on their pelvis facing their feet and hugs the raised leg.
- Check the height and move slowly at first.
✓ Tips
- Start shallow and slowly: the receiver controls depth, so lower down only as far as is comfortable.
- The receiver keeps movements controlled and does not drop down hard: if the penis slips out and is sat on at an angle, it can bend and be injured.
- If the raised leg tires or the hamstrings pull, the partner underneath bends the knee or rests the leg on the receiver's shoulder.
- For anal sex use plenty of lubricant and a condom, and stop if there is pain.
- Stop if the receiver's knees or the hip of the partner underneath hurt.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration with the receiving partner sitting reversed on the other's pelvis, huggi
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration, controlled by the receiving partner sitting on top facing away
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Who controls the movement in The Monkey?
The receiving partner, rising and lowering on the feet and using the raised leg as a support. The partner underneath barely moves.
Do you need flexibility?
The partner underneath needs some hip and hamstring flexibility to keep a leg vertical. If it is too much, bending the knee works too.
Is it a deep position?
It can be, because the receiver sits fully onto the partner's pelvis. Lower slowly and adjust to what feels good.
Is it suitable for anal sex?
Yes, and the receiver controls the depth, which helps. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, prepare first and go slowly.
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.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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