The Wheelbarrow: rear-entry with the legs held up at the edge of the bed
The Wheelbarrow is a rear-entry position in which the penetrating partner, standing beside the bed, holds up the hips and legs of the receiving partner, whose chest and arms rest on the mattress. It is athletic and intense, best kept for short spells and good physical condition.
Also known as: Wheelbarrow · Wheelbarrow position · Wheelbarrow sex
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies face down at the edge of the bed, with chest and forearms on the mattress, arms stretched forward and head turned to one side. The penetrating partner stands on the floor with knees slightly bent and holds the receiving partner's hips and upper thighs, lifting them to pelvis height. The receiving partner's legs are in the air, open on either side of the standing partner's waist; one can wrap around their hip. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm and penetration is deep. It calls for arm and back strength from the partner holding, and loads the lower back of both; if the receiving partner props up on their hands, the wrists and neck are loaded too. There is no eye contact.
Why this position works
People enjoy it as a physical challenge and a game of trust: one partner holds, the other lets go. The rear angle with the pelvis raised allows deep penetration that some people find very intense. Because it cannot be held for long, it tends to be a highlight within a session rather than the main position. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: Beginner wheelbarrow
The receiving partner keeps their knees on the edge of the bed and the standing partner only holds their hips.
The legs are not lifted: the receiving partner's knees stay on the edge of the mattress and their chest on the bed. Same rear angle, with almost no load on the standing partner's arms. A good way to test it before lifting the legs.
- The receiving partner lies face down with chest on the bed and knees right at the edge.
- The penetrating partner stands behind and holds their hips.
- Start slowly to find the right height.
- If you are comfortable, the standing partner can lift one thigh and then the other to move into the full wheelbarrow.
Variation 2: Classic floor wheelbarrow
No bed: the receiving partner holds themselves up on their hands on the floor while the standing partner holds their legs up.
The mattress support is gone: the receiving partner's whole torso rests on their arms and the standing partner carries the rest. It is the most demanding version, with heavy load on the wrists, shoulders and lower back.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours on the floor, on a rug or mat.
- The penetrating partner stands behind and lifts their legs by the thighs, one at a time.
- The receiving partner keeps their arms firm and core engaged so the back does not sag.
- Keep it very short; lower the legs first, then the receiving partner puts their knees down.
Variation 3: Wheelbarrow with crossed legs
The same bed-supported position, but the receiving partner crosses their ankles behind the standing partner's waist.
By wrapping their legs around the waist, the receiving partner partly holds themselves up, and the standing partner can move their hands to the hips instead of the thighs. Less arm effort and more stability.
- Set up as in the basic position, with the receiving partner's chest on the bed.
- The receiving partner wraps their legs around the standing partner's waist and crosses their ankles behind.
- The standing partner moves their hands to the hips to guide the movement.
- Keep strokes short and controlled; uncross the ankles before coming down.
Variation 4: Wheelbarrow with a chest pillow
The same bed-supported position, with a firm pillow under the receiving partner's chest and forearms.
The pillow raises the receiving partner's torso toward pelvis height: the back arches less, the neck can rest and the standing partner does not have to lift the hips as high.
- Place a firm pillow at the edge of the bed where the chest will go.
- The receiving partner lies face down over it, with forearms and head resting.
- The standing partner lifts the hips and thighs only as much as needed.
- Adjust the pillow's thickness until the receiving partner's back feels comfortable.
✓ Tips
- Try the bed-supported version before the classic one on the floor: the mattress takes the chest's weight and greatly reduces the effort.
- Choose a firm, stable surface with nothing nearby to bump into, and bare feet or non-slip footing for the standing partner.
- The partner holding uses their legs and keeps their back straight; if they feel unsteady or tired, stop and come down.
- Keep it to short spells and come down together, legs first and then the torso.
- Keep movements controlled: if the penis slips out and thrusts back in hard at the wrong angle, it can bend. Stop if there is pain.
- Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Rear-entry vaginal penetration with the legs held up
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal penetration from behind
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people GayHetero
Frequently asked questions
Does it take a lot of strength?
Yes, especially for the partner holding, who carries part of the weight with their arms and back. Resting the receiving partner's chest on the bed makes it far more manageable than the classic hands-on-the-floor version.
Is it safe?
It can be, with good communication, a stable surface and short spells. The main risks are lower-back strain, falls and the penis bending if thrusting is abrupt.
Can it be done by other couples or with other practices?
Yes. It is also done with anal penetration, using plenty of lubricant and a condom, or with a strap-on. The mechanics stay the same.
Can you see each other's faces?
No: the receiving partner faces away with their head on the bed, so communication needs to be spoken.
Sources and references
- Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
Related sex positions
The Doggy on the Edge
The receiver positions themselves on all fours with their knees on the edge of the bed and lowers their torso and…
The Doggy Style
One person supports themselves on their hands and knees (on all fours); the other kneels behind and penetrates from…
The Monkey
The penetrating partner lies on their back with one leg raised straight up; the receiving partner sits on their…
Lazy Dog
A lazy rear-entry position lying down: she lies on her side, rolled towards her front, and he lies on top of and…
The Wild Horse
A reverse cowgirl leaning forward: he lies on his back, and she kneels astride his hips facing his feet, with her…
Mounted Rider
Rear entry lying flat: she lies face down with her legs straight and together, and he kneels astride her thighs.
In midair (Suspension)
The receiving partner is upside down, with head and hands on the floor and legs spread wide in a split; the…
The Candelabra
Standing rear entry in an embrace: the receiving partner stands upright on tiptoe with legs together, back pressed…
The Dive
An acrobatic, near-inverted position: she lies on the floor with her hips raised against the side of the bed, and he…
The Hummingbird Hug
Rear entry at the edge of the bed: the receiving partner kneels with chest and head on the mattress, hips raised,…
Breeze
She lies flat on her stomach on the bed, hips at the edge and legs together, while he stands on the floor behind her…
The Fan
The receiving partner lies flat on their front, head on folded arms, legs straight and spread in a V. The penetrating…