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Physical effort: Medium Control

The Path: woman on top, leaning back on her hands with her feet on his chest

The Path is a woman-on-top, face-to-face position: she sits on his pelvis, leans back on her hands and rests her feet on his chest. She sets the pace and depth, and the two of you can look at each other throughout.

Also known as: Alley · The Lean

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Illustration of The Path: He lies flat on his back with legs straight. She sits on his pelvis facing him, leans back with her hands on the bed and draws her knees up together until the s
Anatomy and biomechanics

He lies completely flat on his back, legs straight and arms open on the bed. She sits on his pelvis facing his face and leans her torso back about 45 degrees, arms straight behind her with palms on the bed beside his thighs. She bends her knees, keeps them together and places the soles of her feet on his chest, near his face. From there she moves her pelvis back and forth or up and down, supported by her hands and feet. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is deep. Her wrists carry part of her weight, and he takes her weight on his pelvis and chest.

Why this position works

It is popular because she is in control: she chooses the rhythm, depth and angle simply by changing how far she leans back. Being face to face, you can look at each other, and he has a full view of her body. With her torso reclined, penetration is directed toward the front wall of the vagina, which some women find especially pleasurable; sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Power Play Sensory Exploration Complete Rhythm Control Medium Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: The Path with joined hands

The same position, but he raises his arms and she holds his hands instead of placing hers on the bed.

She stops propping her palms behind her and grips his hands or forearms: her torso is more upright, her wrists get a rest, and he helps set the rocking by pulling gently.

  1. Set up as in the basic position, with her feet on his chest.
  2. He raises his arms toward her, hands open.
  3. She lifts one hand off the bed, then the other, and laces her fingers with his.
  4. She moves her pelvis while he gently pulls or pushes to follow the rhythm.

Variation 2: The circular Path

The same position, but she moves her pelvis in circles instead of back and forth.

With her feet on his chest and her hands on the bed, she rotates her hips without rising or sinking: penetration stays deep and the friction shifts with each turn.

  1. Set up as in the basic position, with her leaning back on her hands.
  2. She lowers herself until penetration feels comfortable.
  3. She makes small circles with her pelvis without lifting off.
  4. She widens or narrows the circles as she likes; he can hold her ankles for stability.

Variation 3: The Path with feet on the bed

The same position, but she takes her feet off his chest and places them on the bed on either side of his torso.

Her knees open and her feet move to the bed: he no longer carries weight on his chest, she gains stability, and her clitoris is within reach of his hand or hers.

  1. From the basic position, she lowers one foot and then the other to the bed beside his torso.
  2. She opens her knees as far as is comfortable.
  3. She stays leaning back on her hands and sets the pace with her pelvis.
  4. He can stroke her clitoris with his fingers if she wants.

Variation 4: The Path with a pillow

The same position, with a firm pillow under his buttocks.

The pillow raises his pelvis: she does not have to lean back as far to find the angle, her wrists carry less weight and the direction of penetration shifts slightly.

  1. He lies on his back with a firm pillow under his buttocks.
  2. She sits on his pelvis facing him and leans back on her hands.
  3. She rests her feet on his chest as in the basic position.
  4. Try pillows of different thickness until you find the most comfortable angle.

✓ Tips
  • Start with short, slow movements: with her leaning back, the penis enters at a sharp angle.
  • She should not drop down suddenly or slide all the way off and come back down hard: the penis could bend. Stop if there is a popping sound or pain.
  • If her wrists tire, she can shift more weight onto her feet or switch to the joined-hands variation.
  • He can ask her to spread her weight: her feet on his chest should not press on his neck or make breathing hard.
  • For anal penetration, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, and go very slowly.
  • Use a condom to protect against STIs and lubricant if needed.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration with her on top, face to face
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration with her on top, leaning back
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is it a reverse position?

No. Although it is sometimes described as "reverse", she faces him: she sits on his pelvis looking toward his face and leans back.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, taken calmly. The effort is moderate and falls mainly on her wrists; if she gets tired, she can lower her feet to the bed.

Does it stimulate the G-spot?

The angle can direct penetration toward the front wall of the vagina, where some women feel more pleasure, but it does not work the same way for every body.

What are the risks?

Load on her wrists, and the penis bending if she comes down hard at the wrong angle. Keep movements controlled and keep talking.

Safety and evidence 2 topics · 3 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 ↗

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.

Sources
Chua Chee Ann. A proposal for a radical new sex therapy technique… the AFE Zone Stimulation Technique. Sexual and Marital Therapy. 1997. Original article ↗

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