The Flatiron Sex Position: A Guide to This Face-Down Favorite

Someone told me about the flatiron position years ago and described it as doggy style but lying flat. I tried it thinking it would feel similar. It did not. The tightness was completely different. The grinding motion instead of thrusting changed everything. Became one of my favorites almost immediately.

The flatiron is one of those positions that sounds simple but delivers surprisingly intense sensations. The receiving partner lies flat on their stomach while the penetrating partner enters from behind. Essentially prone bone or flat doggy. A position that creates tightness and friction and a particular angle that many find deeply satisfying.

What Makes It Different

Unlike doggy style where the receiving partner is on hands and knees the flatiron keeps them flat against the surface. This changes everything about how the position feels. The closed leg position creates more friction and a snugger fit. Penetration comes from a flatter angle hitting different internal areas. The penetrating partner can lie fully on top creating intimacy and full body contact. No need to hold yourself up on hands and knees which makes it less work for the receiver. The position naturally facilitates grinding motions rather than just thrusting.

How to Actually Do It

The receiving partner lies face down on a flat surface like a bed or floor with padding. Legs can be together or slightly apart. Together creates more tightness. Arms can be at sides or under the pillow or stretched overhead. The penetrating partner straddles the receiver's thighs with their legs going outside the receiver's legs. Entry happens from behind with the top partner lowering themselves down. Once entered they can lower body weight onto the receiver.

The exact positioning matters. The receiving partner may need to tilt their hips slightly upward. A small pillow under the hips helps with this. Weight should be distributed and not all dumped on the receiver. Use arms for support.

Why It Feels Good

For the receiving partner several factors combine to create intense sensation. The grinding motion against the bed provides indirect clitoral contact. The closed position creates pressure around the entire shaft which feels different from open positions. The angle can provide consistent G-spot pressure for some. Being pinned down can feel psychologically arousing for those who enjoy that dynamic. The weight of a partner can feel comforting and intimate.

For the penetrating partner the closed legs create more friction than open positions. There is full control over depth and rhythm. The view from above has visual appeal. The option to focus on grinding rather than thrusting creates different sensation.

Ways to Change It Up

Placing a pillow or wedge under the receiving partner's hips elevates them slightly changing the penetration angle. This often improves G-spot contact and makes entry easier.

Legs pressed together creates maximum tightness. Legs slightly apart allows deeper penetration. Experiment to find what feels best for your bodies.

The receiving partner's arms affect the experience. Arms overhead stretches the body and can intensify sensation. Arms held by partner adds a light restraint element. One hand reaching back allows touching the penetrating partner.

Lying prone over the edge of a bed with feet on the floor allows the penetrating partner to stand. This changes the angle again and can allow for more powerful movement. Propping up on elbows or forearms creates a slight arch in the back that some find hits different spots.

Making It Comfortable

The penetrating partner should not collapse their full weight onto the receiver. Keep some weight on arms and knees. Check in about comfort since what feels containing to one person might feel crushing to another.

Face down positions can restrict breathing somewhat. Turn the head to one side. Use a pillow that allows breathing room. Communicate if you need space. Turning the head to one side for extended periods can strain the neck so switch sides periodically or use a position that allows facing forward with head supported.

Initial penetration can be tricky in this position. Have the receiving partner briefly lift hips. Use hands to guide entry. Or start in doggy and transition down which can help establish the connection first.

Communication Is Important

Because the receiving partner's face is down and partially obscured verbal communication becomes more important. Check in about weight and pressure. Ask about angle and depth. Establish a signal if the receiver needs to stop or adjust. The receiver should feel free to request changes to rhythm or position.

Who This Works For

This position is great for people who enjoy the sensation of tightness. Those who like feeling their partner's weight on them. Couples who enjoy some dominant submissive dynamic. When the receiving partner wants to be more passive. People who enjoy grinding motions.

It may not work well during pregnancy due to pressure on abdomen. Those who feel claustrophobic or do not like weight on them. People with breathing issues. When the penetrating partner is significantly heavier. Those who need to see their partner's face for connection.

Common Issues

If you cannot get the angle right for entry try having the receiving partner tilt hips up slightly or place a pillow underneath. Starting in doggy style and lowering down can also help establish the connection first.

If it is too tight or not comfortable have the receiving partner open legs wider for more room. More lubrication also helps with any tightness discomfort.

If breathing is difficult turn head to side or use a softer pillow or have the penetrating partner lift more weight off. Consider propping on forearms for more breathing room.

If it is not hitting the right spots adjust hip tilt with or without pillow. The penetrating partner can also shift their position higher or lower on the receiver's body to change the angle.

What This Comes Down To

The flatiron is a position worth having in your repertoire. Its combination of tightness and full body contact and grinding potential creates sensations that standing or kneeling positions cannot replicate. It is also relatively low effort for the receiving partner making it good for when you want to enjoy without exertion.

Start with the basic version and experiment with variations to find what works for your bodies. Pay attention to comfort since the intimacy of full body contact is only enjoyable if both partners can breathe and relax. With good communication and some adjustment the flatiron can become a favorite for both partners.