The Scale: seated rear-entry position with a side split
The Scale is a demanding seated position. He sits on the floor with his knees bent and feet flat, and she sits on his lap facing away from him, her back resting against his chest, with both legs stretched out sideways in a full side split. Penetration is vaginal, from behind, and can be deep. There is no eye contact, but there is plenty of body contact, and she can turn her head back to kiss him. It calls for a great deal of hip flexibility.
Also known as: Libra
Anatomy and biomechanics
He sits on the floor or on a firm mattress, knees bent and feet flat, and holds her by the waist. She lowers herself onto his lap facing away from him, so that her back rests against his chest, and opens her legs out to the sides until they are fully stretched in a side split, close to the floor. One of her hands rests on his thigh for balance. Both partners share the movement: she rocks her pelvis in small motions while he guides her hips with his hands. Penetration is vaginal, from behind, and can be deep. There is no eye contact, but there is wide contact between her back and his chest, and she can turn her head to kiss him. The load falls mainly on her hips and groin and on the lower back of both partners.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy The Scale as a challenge: it is unusual and feels very enveloping, with her back against his chest and his arms around her. He can kiss her neck and shoulders and free a hand to caress her breasts or, if she likes it, her clitoris. The rear-entry angle can allow deep penetration, and some people find that it presses pleasantly on the front wall of the vagina. Sensations vary from person to person, and the position is only comfortable for those with very flexible hips.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: with bent knees
The same seated rear-entry position, but she keeps her knees bent and her feet on the floor instead of doing the split.
Bending the knees removes the side split, so the position needs much less hip flexibility. With her feet on the floor she can also push to rise and lower.
- He sits on the floor with his knees bent and feet flat.
- She sits on his lap facing away, her back against his chest.
- Instead of stretching her legs out, she bends her knees and plants her feet on the floor on either side of his legs.
- She pushes gently with her feet to rise and lower, while he guides her hips.
Variation 2: leaning forward
She leans her torso forward and rests her hands on the floor in front of her, moving away from his chest.
Leaning forward changes the angle of penetration and frees her hips to rock. It takes weight off his chest, but the back-to-chest contact is lost.
- Start in the basic position, with her sitting on his lap facing away.
- She brings her torso forward and places her hands on the floor in front of her.
- She keeps her legs only as open as her hips allow.
- She rocks her pelvis slowly back and forth while he holds her waist to steady her.
Variation 3: against the wall
He sits with his back against a wall or a firm headboard, so the couple has extra support.
The wall takes the load off his lower back and gives the couple a more stable base; the rest of the position stays the same.
- He sits with his back against a wall or a firm headboard, knees bent and feet flat.
- If he likes, he places a cushion behind his lower back.
- She sits on his lap facing away and leans back against his chest.
- She opens her legs to the sides as far as is comfortable, and you move gently together.
✓ Tips
- Only try the full split if she can already do it comfortably on her own; otherwise keep the knees bent (see Variation 1).
- Warm up the hips and inner thighs first and open the legs gradually; stop if there is pulling or pain in the groin or hips.
- She should lower herself onto the penis slowly and never drop her full weight onto it; small rocking movements are safer than big bounces.
- He can lean his back against a wall or headboard to spare his lower back.
- Use lubricant if needed, and a condom if you want protection against STIs.
- Choose a firm, non-slip surface such as a mat or a firm mattress, and stop if either of you feels unstable.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Seated rear-entry vaginal penetration, receiving partner on the lap
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep rear-entry vaginal penetration
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is The Scale a face-to-face position?
No. She sits with her back to him, resting against his chest, so there is no eye contact. Kissing is still possible if she turns her head back.
Do you need to be able to do the splits?
For the full version, yes: her legs are stretched out sideways in a side split. If that is not comfortable, she can keep her knees bent and her feet on the floor, which is much easier on the hips.
Is it suitable for people with back problems?
Not especially. It loads the hips and the lower back of both partners. With lower back pain, a supported, low-effort position is a better choice, or at least he should lean against a wall.
Can the clitoris be stimulated in this position?
Yes. Since he is behind her, he can free a hand to caress her clitoris, or she can do it herself with the hand that is not resting on his thigh.
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.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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