The Waterfall of Sighs: receiving partner on top, leaning back in a deep arch
The Waterfall of Sighs is a receiver-on-top position with a pronounced backward arch. The penetrating partner lies on their back with knees bent and feet flat on the bed. The receiving partner squats astride their pelvis, face to face, with feet beside their torso, then leans far back over their knees until their hands rest on the bed behind them. The partner on top sets the rhythm, while the partner underneath steadies them with one hand on a knee and the other on their back. It is demanding: it takes strength, flexibility and balance, and it loads the wrists, lower back and neck.
Also known as: Precipice
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner lies on their back, knees bent and feet flat on the mattress. The receiving partner squats astride their pelvis with feet on the bed next to their chest and knees pointing towards their head, so the two face each other. From there the partner on top leans backwards over the bent knees, arching the spine, until their straight arms reach the bed behind; the head tends to drop back. Their weight is shared between their feet, their hands and the other partner's pelvis. The partner underneath keeps one hand on their knee and the other under their back to support the arch. The partner on top leads with small rocking or up-and-down motions, and with the pelvis tilted this way penetration can be deep. Because of the arch there is no eye contact or kissing, and body contact is limited to the pelvis, legs and the hands of the partner underneath.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it for the striking shape of the arch and because the partner on top sets the pace and depth. Leaning back changes the angle of entry towards the front wall of the vagina, which some people find pleasurable and others barely notice. The pubic area is also exposed, so the partner underneath can add a hand for clitoral stimulation. It is a position to try for a short while rather than hold for long, and how it feels varies from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: with clitoral stimulation
The same arched position, with the free hand of the partner underneath stimulating the clitoris.
The partner on top keeps both hands on the bed and the same arch. The partner underneath moves one hand from their knee to the clitoris, which is exposed by the backward lean, and keeps the other under their back for support.
- Get into the basic position: the receiving partner squats astride, face to face, and leans back onto their hands.
- The partner underneath keeps one hand under their partner's back to support the arch.
- With the other hand they stroke the clitoris, following their partner's rhythm.
- The partner on top says what pressure and speed they prefer; if the arch is tiring, they sit up for a moment.
Variation 2: kneeling instead of squatting
The receiving partner kneels astride the other's hips instead of squatting, which takes load off the thighs.
The knees of the partner on top rest on the bed on either side of the other's hips, shins along their sides. The partner underneath lowers their knees a little so the partner on top can lean back with hands on the bed near their feet. The lean is less steep and the thighs work less, although the wrists still carry weight.
- The penetrating partner lies on their back and lowers their knees slightly.
- The receiving partner kneels astride their hips, face to face, and lets penetration settle.
- They lean back slowly until their hands rest on the bed behind them.
- They move with gentle rocking of the hips, without dropping the head back for long.
Variation 3: back resting on the partner's thighs
Instead of reaching the bed with their hands, the receiving partner rests their upper back on the other partner's raised thighs.
The partner underneath keeps their knees bent and close together behind the partner on top, who leans back only until their upper back rests on those thighs and holds the knees or shins with their hands. The arch is gentler and there is much less load on the wrists and neck.
- The penetrating partner lies on their back with knees bent and close together.
- The receiving partner squats astride their pelvis, face to face.
- They lean back until their upper back rests on their partner's thighs, holding the knees.
- They move with short rocking motions; the partner underneath can hold their hips to steady them.
✓ Tips
- Get into it gradually: the partner on top starts squatting upright, lets penetration settle, and only then leans back little by little.
- Use a firm mattress and leave room behind the knees of the partner underneath for the hands; if the surface gives way or the partner on top feels unsteady, sit up and stop.
- The partner underneath can support the arch with a hand under their partner's back so that not all the weight falls on the wrists.
- Don't keep the head hanging back for long: lift it every so often to rest the neck and lower back.
- Keep movements short and controlled. If the penis slips out, the partner on top should not drop back onto it: with the receiver on top and leaning back, a sudden bend can injure it.
- Use lubricant and, if you need protection against STIs or pregnancy, a condom. Stop if there is pain in the back, wrists or pelvis.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal penetration with her on top, facing him and arched back
- Active anatomy
- Penis; hands (support and, optionally, clitoris)
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina; clitoris (optional, by hand)
- Main stimulation
- Vagina (deep penetration, angle towards the front wall); clitoris by hand, optional
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Not really. It takes leg strength, firm wrists, a flexible back and good balance. It's better to feel comfortable first in simpler positions with the receiving partner on top and leaning back only slightly.
Who controls the movement?
The partner on top, with small rocking or up-and-down motions. The partner underneath mainly supports them with their hands and can follow the rhythm gently with their hips.
How can we make it less demanding?
Lean back less, kneel instead of squatting, or rest the upper back on the raised thighs of the partner underneath instead of reaching the bed with the hands (see the variations).
Can clitoral stimulation be added?
Yes. With the pelvis of the partner on top pushed forward, the partner underneath can move one hand from the knee to the clitoris while the other keeps supporting their back.
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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