The Wedge: side-lying on the sofa with one leg on the shoulder
The Wedge is a sofa position. The receiving partner lies on their side across the seat, head on the armrest, with one leg raised almost vertically against the other's shoulder and the other leg hanging towards the floor. The penetrating partner faces them with one knee on the seat and the other foot on the floor, so the two bodies form a right angle. It allows deep vaginal or anal penetration with some eye contact, and asks for good hip flexibility from the person with the raised leg.
Also known as: Wedge · Leg on the shoulder on the sofa
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies on their side, or half on their back, across the sofa seat, head on the armrest. The upper leg rises almost vertically and rests on the penetrating partner's shoulder; the lower leg hangs over the edge with the foot towards the floor, which opens the hips. The penetrating partner faces them with one knee on the seat and the other foot planted on the floor, torso upright, one hand on their partner's hip to guide the movement. The bodies form a right angle, like a wedge. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm, and penetration, vaginal or anal, can be deep. There is partial eye contact; kissing on the mouth is out of reach, but the raised leg and foot are close enough for kisses and caresses. The main demand falls on the hip and hamstring flexibility of the person with the raised leg.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because the raised leg and open hips allow a deep fit while the penetrating partner stays upright and stable, with one foot on the floor. The face-to-face angle keeps some eye contact, and the free hand can caress the raised leg or, where there is a vulva, the clitoris. The sofa does much of the work, so nobody carries anyone's weight. Sensations vary: the depth feels intense to some people and too much to others.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: bent knee on the shoulder
The raised leg bends and the calf or back of the knee rests on the shoulder, with less stretch.
Same sofa position, but the upper leg is not straight: the knee bends and the calf rests on the penetrating partner's shoulder. This eases the hamstring stretch and makes penetration slightly shallower, so it suits less flexible bodies.
- The receiving partner lies on their side on the sofa, head on the armrest.
- The penetrating partner faces them with one knee on the seat and the other foot on the floor.
- The receiving partner bends the upper leg and rests the calf on their partner's shoulder.
- Start with slow movements and adjust the knee bend until the depth feels comfortable.
Variation 2: cushion under the hip
A firm cushion under the receiving partner's hip lifts the pelvis to the penetrating partner's height.
The mechanics stay the same, but the receiving partner places a firm cushion under the lower hip. The pelvis rises a few centimetres to the penetrating partner's level, so they do not have to stoop, and the sofa edge stops pressing into the side.
- Place a firm cushion on the seat near the edge.
- The receiving partner lies on their side with the hip on the cushion and the head on the armrest.
- They raise the upper leg onto the shoulder of the penetrating partner, who has one knee on the seat.
- Check the height before you start and add or remove padding as needed.
Variation 3: on the edge of the bed
The same position on the edge of the bed, with a pillow instead of the armrest.
The sofa is swapped for the bed: the receiving partner lies on their side near the edge, head on a pillow, and the penetrating partner puts one knee on the mattress and the other foot on the floor. The mattress is wider and softer, and the height of the bed edge often suits the penetrating partner well.
- The receiving partner lies on their side near the edge of the bed, with a pillow under the head.
- The lower leg hangs over the edge and the upper leg rises towards their partner's shoulder.
- The penetrating partner faces them with one knee on the mattress and the other foot on the floor.
- If the mattress sinks, move closer to the edge or put a firm cushion under the hip.
Variation 4: leg hugged to the chest
The penetrating partner wraps an arm around the raised leg and holds it against their chest.
Instead of leaving the leg resting on the shoulder, the penetrating partner wraps one arm around it and holds it against their chest. The receiving partner no longer has to hold the leg up with their own muscles, body contact increases, and the ankle or foot is close enough to kiss.
- Get into The Wedge, with the receiving partner's leg on the penetrating partner's shoulder.
- The penetrating partner wraps one arm around the leg and holds it against their chest.
- The other hand stays on the hip to guide the movement.
- Move slowly and loosen the hold if the leg pulls or gets tired.
✓ Tips
- Raise the leg only as far as the hips and hamstrings allow; bending the knee slightly or resting the calf instead of the ankle on the shoulder eases the stretch.
- Start slow and shallow: with the leg up, penetration gets deep very quickly. Stop if there is any pain.
- A cushion under the head and another under the hip of the person lying down stop the sofa edge from digging in.
- The penetrating partner keeps the foot on the floor firmly planted and does not lean their weight on the raised leg.
- For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom and go slowly; change condoms before switching from anal to vaginal penetration. For vaginal sex, a condom also protects against STIs.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Face-to-face vaginal or anal penetration, with the receiving partner on their side on a sofa
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal or anal penetration with one leg raised; possible pressure on the front vaginal wall or
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be very flexible for The Wedge?
Some hip and hamstring flexibility helps. If the straight leg pulls too much, bend the knee or rest the calf on the shoulder: the position still works.
Can it be done on a bed?
Yes, at the edge of the bed: the receiving partner lies on their side near the edge and the penetrating partner puts one knee on the mattress and the other foot on the floor. A pillow replaces the armrest.
Is it suitable for anal sex?
Yes, with plenty of lubricant, a condom, gradual preparation and slow, shallow movements at first, because the raised leg lets penetration go deep.
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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