educacionsexual.org
★
★
★
Physical effort: Low Lateral

The Sweet Spoon: curled-up spooning from behind

The Sweet Spoon is a side-lying rear-entry position with a lot of body contact. The receiving partner lies on their side, rolled slightly towards their front, with both knees drawn up towards the chest, legs together and arms stretched out past the head. The penetrating partner lies behind in the same direction, knees tucked in behind theirs, and curls the upper body over the receiving partner's shoulder and back, with the head next to theirs and one hand on the hip. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is of medium depth and the penetrating partner sets a calm pace. There is no eye contact, but chest-to-back contact is close and kisses on the neck or shoulder are easy.

Also known as: Crème Brûlée · Spooning

Be the first to rate it
Illustration of The Sweet Spoon: A cosy spoon: the receiving partner lies on their side with knees drawn up and arms stretched forward, while the penetrating partner curls around their back fro
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on one side on the bed and rolls a little towards their front, draws both knees up towards the chest with the legs together, and stretches the arms forward past the head. Drawing the knees up tilts the pelvis back and offers the entrance to the vagina or anus. The penetrating partner lies on their side directly behind, facing the same way, with the knees bent behind the receiving partner's knees. They lean the upper body over the receiving partner's shoulder and back, so part of their chest rests on them, and keep one hand on the hip or buttock to guide the movement. The penetrating partner moves with short strokes from the hips; penetration is of medium depth. Both partners rest on their sides, so the effort is low, but part of the penetrating partner's weight falls on the receiving partner's back.

Why this position works

It is restful and enveloping: both partners lie down, and the penetrating partner's body wraps around the receiving partner's back. Many people find the closeness comforting, with kisses on the neck or shoulder and a free hand that can reach round to caress. Drawing the knees up changes the angle compared with an ordinary spoon, and some people find the sensation fuller. It suits slow, calm sex. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Sensory Exploration Relaxation and Surrender Easy Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: knees only halfway up

The receiving partner keeps the knees bent but lowers them halfway instead of drawing them right up to the chest.

With the hips less flexed, the pelvis tilts back less and penetration feels shallower and gentler. It is also easier on the hips and lower back of the receiving partner.

  1. Start in the basic position, both on your sides.
  2. The receiving partner lowers the knees until the thighs are at about a right angle to the torso.
  3. The penetrating partner adjusts their knees to follow.
  4. Continue with slow, short strokes.

Variation 2: penetrating partner lying flatter

The penetrating partner stays on their own side and does not lean over the receiving partner's back.

No weight falls on the receiving partner's back, so it suits longer sessions or anyone who feels squashed. There is less upper-body contact, but the pelvis and legs stay together.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. The penetrating partner moves the chest back and rests the head on a pillow.
  3. They keep one hand on the receiving partner's hip.
  4. Move from the hips with small, steady strokes.

Variation 3: with a pillow under the hip

A firm pillow under the receiving partner's lower hip raises the pelvis slightly.

Raising the pelvis can bring the two partners' hips level when they have different builds, and slightly changes the angle of entry. The rest of the position stays the same.

  1. The receiving partner lies on their side with a firm pillow under the lower hip.
  2. They draw the knees up and stretch the arms forward.
  3. The penetrating partner lies behind and adjusts until the hips are level.
  4. Start slowly and move the pillow if needed.

Variation 4: with a hand reaching round to the front

The penetrating partner reaches the upper arm round the receiving partner's hip to caress the clitoris or penis.

Only the upper arm changes: it moves from the hip to the front of the pelvis. Slower strokes make it easier to keep the hand steady, and the receiving partner can guide it.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. The penetrating partner slides the upper hand from the hip round to the front of the receiving partner's pelvis.
  3. They caress the clitoris or penis while moving slowly.
  4. The receiving partner guides the pressure and pace.

Variation 5: top leg bent forward onto the bed

The receiving partner keeps the lower leg drawn up and brings the top knee further forward onto the mattress.

Separating the legs opens the buttocks and makes entry easier, and the top knee on the bed rolls the receiving partner a little more onto the front. It gives a slightly different angle and more stability.

  1. Start in the basic position.
  2. The receiving partner slides the top knee forward until it rests on the mattress in front of the body.
  3. The lower leg stays drawn up.
  4. The penetrating partner adjusts their angle and continues slowly.

✓ Tips
  • The penetrating partner should lean on the receiving partner's back only lightly and keep most of their weight on their own side and knees.
  • If the receiving partner feels squashed or short of breath, the penetrating partner moves back and lies flatter.
  • Keep the strokes short and slow: with the knees drawn up, deep thrusts can feel strong.
  • Use lubricant, and a condom to reduce the risk of STIs.
  • For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and stop if there is pain.
  • The penetrating partner's free hand can reach round to caress the clitoris or penis.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, side-lying (spooning)
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vagina or anus, with medium-depth penetration from behind
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

How is the Sweet Spoon different from ordinary spooning?

The receiving partner draws the knees up towards the chest and stretches the arms forward, and the penetrating partner leans over their back instead of lying flat behind. The result is a more enveloping, curled-up spoon.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes. Both partners lie on their sides, it needs no strength or balance, and the pace is easy to keep calm.

Can it be used for anal sex?

Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and let the receiving partner say how fast and how deep. Stop if there is pain.

Is there eye contact?

No, the penetrating partner is behind. The closeness comes from the body contact and from kisses on the neck or shoulder.

Safety and evidence 1 topic · 2 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 ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

Related sex positions