The Vertical Embrace: hips raised on the partner's thighs, legs up
The Vertical Embrace is a face-to-face position for vaginal or anal penetration. The receiving partner lies on their back, shoulders and head on the bed, with the pelvis lifted and resting on the thighs of the penetrating partner. One leg goes straight up past the penetrating partner's shoulder and the other bends with the knee against their chest. The penetrating partner kneels upright, sitting back on their heels, sets the pace and can hold the raised foot. Penetration is of medium depth. The raised pelvis loads the receiving partner's neck and shoulders, so supports and short sessions help.
Also known as: Bud
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner kneels and sits back on their heels, torso upright. The receiving partner lies on their back in front of them, shoulders and head on the bed, and lifts the pelvis to rest it on the kneeling partner's thighs. One leg extends straight up alongside the penetrating partner's shoulder, where they can hold the foot near their face; the other leg bends with the knee pressed against their chest. The penetrating partner controls the rhythm with small hip movements, and depth is medium. You can see each other, although the receiving partner's head is some distance away, and there is no kissing on the mouth. Folding the bent leg towards the body compresses the abdomen, and lifting the pelvis puts weight on the neck and shoulders; the raised leg asks for flexible hips.
Why this position works
Some couples like the angle created by the raised pelvis, which differs from a classic missionary and lets the penetrating partner control the pace very precisely. The receiving partner can relax the arms and focus on sensation, and holding or kissing the raised foot adds a playful touch. For some people this angle feels pleasant on the front wall of the vagina or, in anal sex, towards the prostate, but sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: cushion under the lower back
A firm cushion under the receiving partner's lower back takes weight off the neck.
The position is the same, but a firm cushion is placed under the receiving partner's lower back, between the bed and the kneeling partner's thighs. The pelvis stays raised with much less effort, the neck and shoulders carry less weight and you can hold the position longer.
- The penetrating partner kneels and sits back on their heels.
- Place a firm cushion just in front of their knees.
- The receiving partner lies back with the lower back on the cushion and the pelvis on the kneeling partner's thighs.
- Raise one leg and bend the other, then begin slowly.
Variation 2: both legs on the shoulders
The receiving partner raises both legs and rests them on the penetrating partner's shoulders.
Instead of keeping one leg bent against the chest, the receiving partner lifts both legs and rests the ankles on the penetrating partner's shoulders. The pelvis tilts a little more and the angle changes, but it asks for more flexibility in the back of the thighs and puts a little more pressure on the abdomen.
- Start in the basic position, pelvis on the kneeling partner's thighs.
- The receiving partner lifts the bent leg too and rests both ankles on the partner's shoulders.
- The penetrating partner holds the thighs to keep them steady.
- Go slowly and lower one leg if the stretch is too much.
Variation 3: feet against the chest
The receiving partner bends both knees and places the soles of the feet on the partner's chest.
Both knees bend and the soles of the feet rest flat on the penetrating partner's chest. By pushing gently with the feet, the receiving partner can control distance and depth, which is useful in anal sex or when trying the position for the first time. The hips need less flexibility.
- Settle into the basic position with the pelvis raised.
- The receiving partner bends both knees and places the feet on the partner's chest.
- Use the feet to set how close you are and how deep the penetration goes.
- The penetrating partner follows that guidance with slow movements.
✓ Tips
- Put a pillow under the receiving partner's shoulders or lower back so the neck does not take the weight of the raised pelvis.
- The penetrating partner should support the receiving partner's hips with their thighs and hands, not let them hang.
- Lift the straight leg only as far as the hips allow; bending the knee a little is fine.
- For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start slowly and stop if there is pain.
- Use a condom to prevent STIs (and pregnancy in vaginal sex), and do not go from anal to vaginal penetration without changing it.
- Stop if you feel pain in the neck, the abdomen or the hips.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Face-to-face vaginal or anal penetration, with the receiving partner's pelvis raised on the penetrat
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal or anal penetration with the pelvis raised
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is The Vertical Embrace suitable for beginners?
It is manageable if the receiving partner has reasonably flexible hips and you use cushions. It is best to try it for short periods at first, because the raised pelvis tires the neck and shoulders.
Can it be used for anal sex?
Yes. With the pelvis raised the angle is comfortable for many people. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and let the receiving partner set the limits.
Is there eye contact?
Yes, although it is limited: the receiving partner's head is further away and there is no kissing on the mouth. The connection comes more from hands, legs and feet.
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.
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.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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