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Physical effort: Medium Posterior

Tortoise: curled up on the knees with full body cover from behind

In the Tortoise, the receiving partner kneels and folds forward until their chest rests on their thighs, arms stretched out in front on the floor, curled up like a tortoise in its shell. The penetrating partner kneels behind and leans over them, chest against their back, with one hand on the floor for support. Penetration, vaginal or anal, is from behind and of medium depth. It offers a lot of body contact and a strong feeling of being enveloped, with little effort for the person underneath.

Also known as: Turtle position

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Illustration of Tortoise: The receiving partner curls up on their knees like a tortoise, chest on thighs, while the other kneels behind and covers their back.
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner kneels with knees together and deeply bent, sitting back towards the heels, then folds the torso forward until the chest rests on the thighs and the arms stretch out in front on the floor, forearms and hands flat. The penetrating partner kneels behind with knees on either side of or just behind the other's feet, leans forward over their back and rests one hand on the floor, keeping most of their weight on their own knees and that hand. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm. Penetration is of medium depth because the folded hips limit how far it goes. There is no eye contact, but body contact is wide: chest to back, with room to kiss the neck or shoulders. The receiving partner's abdomen is compressed against the thighs, and both partners' knees carry load.

Why this position works

Many people like the feeling of being wrapped up and protected: the receiving partner is curled up and covered by the other's body, which can feel both intimate and a little dominant. Effort is low for the person underneath, who only needs to hold the folded position. The penetrating partner can kiss their neck and back and has a hand free to caress. Penetration is of medium depth, which some people find comfortable; sensations vary from person to person. There is no eye contact.

Deep Intimacy Power Play Sensory Exploration Medium Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: knees apart

The receiving partner opens their knees so the torso sinks between the thighs.

Instead of keeping the knees together, the receiving partner spreads them to hip width or a little wider, like a child's pose with open knees. The chest sinks between the thighs, the abdomen is less compressed and the pelvis tilts slightly, which can change the angle of entry.

  1. The receiving partner kneels and opens their knees to hip width or wider.
  2. They fold forward, letting the chest sink between the thighs, arms forward.
  3. The penetrating partner kneels behind, between their feet, and leans over.
  4. Enter gently and find a comfortable rhythm.

Variation 2: penetrating partner upright

The penetrating partner kneels upright behind instead of leaning over the other's back.

The receiving partner stays curled up in the same way, but the penetrating partner kneels upright with hands on their hips. There is no weight on the receiving partner's back, and the penetrating partner has more freedom of movement and a view of the whole back, at the cost of less body contact.

  1. The receiving partner curls up, chest on thighs and arms forward.
  2. The penetrating partner kneels upright behind, knees close to the other's feet.
  3. They hold the receiving partner's hips with both hands.
  4. They move from the hips, keeping thrusts controlled.

Variation 3: cushion under the chest

A cushion under the receiving partner's chest and forehead makes the fold gentler.

A firm cushion or folded pillow goes under the chest and forehead, between the thighs and the arms. The fold is less deep, the neck can relax with the forehead resting, and the abdomen is less compressed, which helps people with stiffer hips or knees.

  1. Place a firm cushion in front of the receiving partner's knees.
  2. They kneel and fold forward, resting chest and forehead on the cushion.
  3. The penetrating partner kneels behind and leans over, keeping their weight on their own knees and hand.
  4. Move gently and adjust the cushion if the neck or hips feel strained.

✓ Tips
  • Use a soft surface or a mat under the knees of both partners.
  • The penetrating partner keeps most of their weight on their own knees and hand; never lie with full weight on the other's back.
  • If the receiving partner's abdomen feels too compressed, they can open their knees a little so the torso sinks between them.
  • Thrust gently and in line with the receiving partner's body: from behind, if the penis slips out and hits the buttocks or perineum it can bend, so guide it back by hand.
  • For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and never move from anal to vaginal without changing the condom.
  • Stop if there is pain in the knees, hips or back.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, of medium depth
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

How is the Tortoise different from doggy style?

In doggy style the receiving partner is on all fours with arms straight. In the Tortoise they fold right down, chest on thighs and arms forward, and the other partner leans over and covers their back, so there is much more body contact and penetration is less deep.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, if both partners' knees tolerate kneeling. The receiving partner makes little effort; the main thing is that the penetrating partner does not rest their whole weight on them.

Is it comfortable during pregnancy?

Not really: the thighs press against the abdomen. It is better to choose other positions.

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 ·

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