The Suspended Encounter: face to face on an exercise ball
The Suspended Encounter is a face-to-face position that uses an exercise ball. The receiving partner reclines on her back over the ball, back arched, one hand touching the floor for balance. One leg rests over the penetrating partner's shoulder or arm and the other is bent at his side. He stands in a lunge, one leg stretched back, and leans over her so they can kiss. Penetration is vaginal and deep. It needs flexibility, balance and a stable ball, so it suits confident couples.
Also known as: Julia · Exercise ball sex position
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies back over an exercise ball, her back arched along its curve and her buttocks on the front of the ball. One hand reaches down to touch the floor and steady her. One leg is lifted and rests over the penetrating partner's shoulder or upper arm; the other is bent and open at his side, so her pelvis faces him. He stands in front of her in a lunge: the front leg bent, the back leg stretched behind, and his torso leaning over her until their faces meet. From there he moves his hips and controls rhythm and depth. Her lower back arches over the ball and the raised leg asks for hip and hamstring flexibility; his front leg and lower back take the load of the lunge.
Why this position works
Many couples like that it combines depth with closeness: with one leg raised penetration is deep, and yet they are face to face and can kiss. The arch over the ball opens the body and changes the angle, which some women find pleasurable. The ball gives slightly with each movement, adding a gentle rocking. It is also a playful challenge for couples who enjoy trying something new. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: both legs around his waist
The receiving partner lowers the leg from his shoulder and wraps both legs around the penetrating partner's waist.
Without the raised leg, much less hip flexibility is needed and her legs help hold the two bodies together, so the position becomes more stable. Penetration is a little less deep and he can stay closer.
- Start in the basic position, with her hand on the floor.
- She slowly lowers the leg from his shoulder.
- She wraps both legs around his waist.
- He shortens his lunge a little and continues with slow movements.
Variation 2: ball wedged against the sofa or bed
The exercise ball is placed against the front of a sofa or the side of the bed, so it cannot roll back.
The furniture blocks the ball and removes most of the instability. She can rest both hands on the ball or the sofa instead of the floor, and he can focus on the movement rather than on balance.
- Push the ball firmly against the front of a sofa or the side of the bed.
- She reclines over it with her back arched and checks that it does not move.
- She rests one leg on his shoulder and bends the other.
- He takes up his lunge in front of her and starts slowly.
Variation 3: penetrating partner standing upright
Instead of leaning over to kiss her, the penetrating partner stands more upright and holds her raised leg and hip with his hands.
Standing upright takes load off his lower back and gives him more control of the rhythm and of the ball. They lose the kiss but keep eye contact, and he can see and caress her body.
- Start in the basic position.
- He straightens his torso and shortens the lunge.
- He holds her raised leg against his shoulder with one hand and her hip with the other.
- Keep the movements controlled and check that the ball stays still.
✓ Tips
- Use a well-inflated exercise ball on a non-slip mat, in a clear space with nothing hard nearby.
- She keeps one hand on the floor and he keeps a hand on her hip or the ball, so it does not roll; stop at once if either of you loses balance.
- Lift the leg only as high as is comfortable: if the hip or hamstring pulls, rest it on his arm instead of his shoulder.
- Start slowly: penetration is deep from the start. Avoid pulling out fully with force, so the penis does not bend.
- Use lubricant if needed.
- He should keep his front knee over his foot and change legs if the lunge tires him.
- Avoid it with lower back, hip or balance problems, and stop if there is pain.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Face-to-face vaginal penetration, she reclines over an exercise ball and he stands in a lunge
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal penetration face to face, with one leg raised and the back arched over the ball
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is she really suspended?
No. Despite the name, the receiving partner lies back on an exercise ball with one hand on the floor; nobody is held in the air.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It is better for confident couples: the ball rolls, the raised leg needs flexibility and he has to hold a lunge. Try getting into position slowly first.
What size of ball should we use?
One that brings her hips to about the height of his pelvis in the lunge. Try it before you start and choose a firm, well-inflated ball.
How can we make it more stable?
Wedge the ball against a sofa or the bed, place it on a non-slip mat and keep her hand on the floor. Lowering the raised leg to his waist also helps.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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