The Spoon: side-lying sex from behind, cuddled up

Like the spoon, with the top leg of the person in front elevated and resting.

The partner in front lifts their top leg, bent, and rests it on their partner's hip or on a pillow. This opens the hips, makes entry easier and gives the penetrating partner more room to move, so penetration can be a little deeper, all without leaving the side-lying position.

1. Start with the classic spoon.
2. The person in front elevates and bends their top leg, resting it on their partner or a pillow.
3. Take advantage of the greater opening of the angle.

Like the spoon, with the person behind propped up on the elbow, the chest elevated.

The partner behind props up on one elbow or on a couple of pillows, raising the chest. The angle of entry changes slightly, which some people find pleasant, and it becomes easier to kiss the partner's neck, cheek and, if they turn, their mouth.

1. From the spoon, the partner behind props up on the lower elbow.
2. They adjust the height of their pelvis until the angle is comfortable for both.
3. They use the closeness to kiss their partner's neck and talk in their ear.

Both on their side with their knees very tucked towards their chest, fitted.

Both draw their knees up towards the chest at the same time, as if curled up together. With the receiving partner's hips more bent, their buttocks move back towards the partner behind, entry is easier and penetration can be deeper than in the basic spoon, while the effort stays minimal. If the hips or back feel tight, ease off the bend.

1. From the spooning position, both flex their hips and knees towards their chest.
2. The receiver tilts their pelvis slightly to fit.
3. Adjust the depth with the degree of flexion.

The partner behind slides their top hand from their partner's chest down to the clitoris, or the receiving partner uses their own.

The position stays the same, but the arm that was wrapped around the partner in front moves down between their legs. Because nobody needs their hands for support, the touch can be steady while penetration continues at a slow pace. Some people find this combination more pleasurable.

1. Start in the basic spoon.
2. The partner behind slides their top hand down their partner's belly to the vulva, or the receiving partner guides that hand or uses their own.
3. Slow down the thrusts so that the touch can keep a steady rhythm.
4. Let the receiving partner say what pressure and speed they prefer.

A pillow between the receiving partner's knees and another under both heads keep the hips and neck aligned.

The pillow between the knees keeps the top hip level with the bottom one, so the hip and lower back do not twist, and the one under the head relaxes the neck. The top knee is a little higher, which also slightly opens the angle. It is the most restful version, useful during pregnancy or with hip discomfort.

1. Place a firm pillow under both heads.
2. The receiving partner lies on their side and puts another pillow between the knees, hips and knees bent.
3. The penetrating partner lies behind in the usual spoon and adjusts their height to match.
4. Move slowly; if the pillow shifts, put it back before continuing.

Once inside, the receiving partner slowly straightens their legs and keeps them together, with the other partner still close behind.

With the receiving partner's legs straighter and pressed together, the fit is snugger and penetration is shallower, and the thighs add friction. The penis slips out more easily, so movements must be very short. It works well as a calm, close change of pace rather than a position for vigorous movement.

1. Start in the basic spoon, with the receiving partner's hips bent.
2. Once penetration has begun, the receiving partner slowly straightens their legs and brings them together.
3. The partner behind keeps their pelvis close to their partner's buttocks and moves with very short strokes.
4. If it slips out, bend the hips again to re-enter.