Want to try a new intimate position that blends the thrill of doggy style with a deeper emotional bond? The turtle sex position has become a favorite for couples who want to feel both submission and control during their intimate moments.
Doggy style is a classic, but the turtle sex position is a chance to experience something different that couples love. The position looks like the yoga Balasana pose and lets you try different angles that substantially improve pleasure for both partners. It also works well for gentle, tender moments or passionate encounters, which makes it perfect for any mood.
The best part about this position is how it brings couples together. The woman takes a submissive role while the man stays in control - but both partners need to talk and adjust to find their perfect rhythm. A few well-placed cushions and comfort tweaks can turn this simple position into something special that strengthens your physical and emotional connection.
Let us show you everything you need to know to become skilled at the turtle position and maximize your pleasure and intimacy.
Understanding the Turtle Sex Position
The turtle sex position creates a unique intimate experience that is different from many common positions. This position started as a variation of doggy style and gives both partners new sensations. You retain control with the rear-entry approach that many couples love.
What it looks like and why it's called 'Turtle'
The turtle position gets its name from the way the receiving partner's posture looks like a turtle with its shell exposed. Picture the receiving partner kneeling on the bed or floor, then lowering their body until their buttocks rest on their ankles. They lean forward by a lot – almost folding in half – with their forehead coming close to their knees. Their breasts naturally rest against their thighs in this folded position.
This curved posture looks like a turtle, with the receiving partner's back creating the "shell" curve. Some people say it looks like the yoga "child's pose" or "Balasana" from the side. The penetrating partner kneels behind and places their legs on either side of the receiving partner.
The receiving partner grabs their legs in front to stay in the forward-leaning position. This grabbing helps them balance and makes the fold deeper, which creates unique sensations.
How it compares to doggy style
Both positions use rear entry, but the turtle position is different from regular doggy style in several ways:
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Body positioning: Doggy style keeps the receiving partner on all fours with a straight back. The turtle position needs a deep forward fold with buttocks on ankles.
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Mobility and control: The receiving partner moves more freely in doggy style. The turtle position limits their movements and creates a more submissive experience.
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Penetration angle: You get a different angle of penetration in the turtle position. Though both use rear entry, the folded posture changes how deep and at what angle the penetrating partner enters.
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Visual experience: The receiving partner faces down toward the floor or bed in turtle position, which some find less intimate than other positions from behind.
The turtle position needs more flexibility than regular doggy style, especially from the receiving partner who must hold the forward fold comfortably. Couples who feel bored with traditional doggy style but aren't ready to try completely new positions often enjoy this variation.
Control moves differently in this position. The penetrating partner controls the thrusting, but the receiving partner controls the angle based on their position. This creates an interesting dynamic where both partners share submission and control.
Many couples find the turtle position strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and excitement. It builds on what they already enjoy about doggy style while adding fresh sensations and emotional depth to their experience.
How to Get Into the Position
The turtle sex position requires proper body arrangement and knowing how to position yourselves comfortably. This intimate position creates unique sensations, but you'll need specific techniques to get it right.
Step-by-step body positioning
For the receiving partner:
- Start by kneeling on the bed or floor with your knees in a comfortable position.
- Your buttocks should rest above your ankles as you lower your body.
- Bring your chest toward the bed surface by leaning forward.
- Rest your face against the bed or surface - either sideways on your cheek or with your forehead down.
- Put your hands palm-up under your knees to create that characteristic "locked" feeling.
- You can also reach forward and grab your legs to stay balanced and deepen the fold.
For the penetrating partner:
- Kneel behind your partner close enough for entry.
- Hold your partner's hips for stability and control.
- Adjust your height by spreading your knees or bringing them closer.
- Move in while keeping a firm but gentle grip on your partner's hips.
Experts say this position naturally creates a sense of submission, since the receiving partner stays relatively still while the penetrating partner controls the movement.
Tips for adjusting height and angle
The right angle will improve pleasure in the turtle position:
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For the receiving partner: You can adjust the angle by moving your upper body slightly up or down until you find what feels best.
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For the penetrating partner: Try different knee positions - wider knees lower your height, while closer knees raise it.
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Alternative stance: The penetrating partner can stand and crouch instead of kneeling. This creates different sensations and often lets you thrust more powerfully.
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Pelvis positioning: The receiving partner should arch their back slightly and tilt their pelvis toward their partner for deeper penetration.
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Rhythm control: While the penetrating partner seems in control, the receiving partner can push back during thrusts to affect depth and intensity.
Using cushions or props for comfort
You need to be comfortable to enjoy this position fully:
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Head support: A pillow under the receiving partner's head helps reduce neck strain, which matters in this downward position.
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Height adjustment: Cushions or pillowcases can keep the receiving partner's hips at the right level.
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Support for limited mobility: Partners with mobility issues can use pillows under pressure points to make this position more available.
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Love straps: A love strap around the receiving partner's pelvis gives the penetrating partner better control during thrusting.
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Mirrors: Setting up near a mirror adds visual excitement to the experience.
The turtle position needs flexibility, especially from the receiving partner. People with knee problems should either avoid this position or use extra cushioning. It's worth mentioning that you should agree on a code word beforehand, especially since the receiving partner has limited movement - this way you can quickly signal if anything feels uncomfortable.
Roles of Each Partner
Success in the turtle sex position depends on how well both partners understand and carry out their unique roles. This position creates a special dynamic that allows each person to contribute differently to the shared experience.
What the receiving partner should do
The receiving partner takes a submissive posture in the turtle position. The position naturally limits your movements and creates an intense submissive sensation as your partner takes control. Your body becomes more receptive while staying relatively still.
You still have good control over the angle of penetration, even in this passive state. You can adjust this by:
- Raising or lowering your upper body to find your most pleasurable spot
- Pushing backward gently while keeping the submissive position
- Making subtle pelvis adjustments to control depth
You can boost the experience by putting your wrists and thighs together. This creates a light bondage-like sensation and adds another layer of submission while letting you control the intensity.
Note that you control the angle of penetration by adjusting your body position, no matter how your partner moves. This creates an interesting power dynamic where you seem submissive yet control a vital part of the pleasure.
What the penetrating partner should focus on
The penetrating partner's main movement involves up and down thrusting. Place your hands gently around your partner's waist to keep stability and control for maximum enjoyment.
You can increase intimacy when both partners feel comfortable by:
- Leaning over your partner's back
- Holding their shoulders for deeper connection
- Grasping their hair gently (with clear consent and care not to cause discomfort)
You can take two effective stances: kneeling behind your partner or standing on your feet in a crouched position. Standing often gives more stability and power, creating an intense experience that many couples prefer over kneeling.
Keep a steady rhythm while paying attention to your partner's responses. Their subtle body movements will show you what feels best.
How to maintain rhythm and control
The perfect rhythm in the turtle position needs attention and communication from both partners. The penetrating partner usually sets the original pace through steady thrusting, and both partners add to the overall experience.
The penetrating partner should hold the receiving partner's waist or hips for better control. This creates stability during movement and keeps the intimate connection. This grip helps adjust the depth and speed based on both partners' reactions.
This position works best when partners try different angles. The receiving partner can control much of this by moving their upper body up and down, which directs where penetration happens. The penetrating partner then adjusts thrusting intensity to match.
The penetrating partner might want to switch between deep, slow thrusts and quicker, shallower movements to improve control and sensation. This variety keeps things exciting while both partners find what works best for them.
The turtle position creates an interesting balance where both partners share physical control and pleasure control. This unique power dynamic helps build a deeper connection.
Tips to Maximize Pleasure
After you become skilled at the simple steps, you can transform the turtle sex position from good to extraordinary. This requires attention to detail and a desire to try new things. A few well-planned adjustments can help this position deliver deep pleasure to both partners.
Try different thrusting angles
The angle of penetration changes sensation in the turtle position. The receiving partner has much control over this through small body adjustments:
- Raise or lower your upper body to find what feels best
- Arch your back slightly and tilt your pelvis to make deeper penetration easier
- Push back gently during your partner's thrusts to boost depth and intensity
The penetrating partner can try stance variations too. Standing firmly on your feet as you crouch often creates more powerful sensations than kneeling.
Add clitoral stimulation
The turtle position naturally gives great access to additional stimulation:
The receiving partner can reach underneath with a free hand to stimulate the clitoris while holding the position. A vibrator or your favorite toy can also work well. A drop of lubricant or stimulating cream can make manual stimulation feel better.
The penetrating partner can employ their free hand to reach around and provide clitoral touch. This mix of internal and external stimulation often makes orgasms more intense.
Use music and lighting to set the mood
Your surroundings can substantially affect your experience. Dim lights create an enchanting atmosphere that makes intimacy better. Sultry background music helps set the rhythm and covers sounds that might pull you out of the moment.
Switch positions mid-play for variety
Moving between positions keeps intimate sessions exciting and dynamic. You don't need to announce position changes verbally. Simple physical cues work better:
- Guide your partner with gentle hand pressure
- Use confident directives like "turn around" or "lie down" in a seductive voice
- When moving from turtle to related positions like teaspoon, guide your partner's body with your hands
Note that confidence and communication between partners determine whether transitions feel natural or awkward.
Safety and Variations to Consider
Safety must be your top priority while learning any intimate position, including the turtle. You'll want to take proper precautions that will give a safe and comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Avoiding strain on knees and back
The turtle sex position puts a lot of pressure on certain body parts, especially the knees. Here's how to protect these areas:
- Put a pillow under the knees to ease tension and pressure points
- You might want to use specialized cushions made for intimate activities
- The receiving partner should gently move their weight now and then to avoid too much pressure
Your back's safety is just as crucial in this position. The receiving partner needs to keep a natural curve instead of an extreme arch. The penetrating partner should watch their posture and avoid hunching that could strain their lower back.
When to skip this position
Not every position works for everyone's body type or situation. You should skip the turtle sex position if:
- You have existing knee problems that could get worse
- Either partner has stiff back or knee joints
- The curved position causes any pain or discomfort
Note that comfort leads to pleasure—you won't enjoy forcing a position that hurts. If the turtle position isn't right for you, many more options can give you like in sensations.
Similar positions to try: Teaspoon, Bassett Hound
Teaspoon: Both partners kneel on the bed or floor. The penetrating partner stays behind the receiving partner to enable rear entry. This position is special because both partners can easily add clitoral stimulation, which creates more intense pleasure.
Bassett Hound: The receiving partner tucks their legs inside their partner's legs. Unlike the turtle position, they can use their hands for better stability. This change reduces knee strain while keeping the intimate connection and deep penetration.
The Lazy Dog is another option—like in the turtle but lets the receiving partner push their hands into the floor to sit more upright. This gives a nice break from staying fully folded.
Conclusion
The turtle sex position can revolutionize your intimate encounters by combining physical intensity with emotional connection. This position creates a unique dynamic where partners share both submission and control.
Note that good communication is key when learning this position. The receiving partner may seem submissive but controls the angle and depth of penetration through body adjustments. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm while staying aware of their partner's responses.
Never sacrifice comfort for pleasure. Use pillows, cushions, or other props to support your body and reduce strain on knees and backs. You can also add clitoral stimulation or mood-setting techniques to make the experience even better.
The turtle position is a great starting point to explore. Once you're comfortable with the simple moves, you can try variations like the Teaspoon or Bassett Hound to find what you and your partner enjoy most. This flexibility makes the turtle position valuable especially when you have plans to expand your intimate repertoire.
This position's charm comes from its perfect balance - it delivers exciting physical sensations while promoting a deeper emotional bond. Try different angles, rhythms, and techniques to find how the turtle position can improve your intimate moments together.