The figure of eight sex position is a rider-on-top position built around one move: a slow, looping hip movement that traces a sideways 8. Instead of bouncing, the partner on top grinds, which shifts the angle of stimulation with every loop and puts depth and pace fully in their hands. Here is how to do it, how deep it goes and which props help when flexibility is limited.
How to Do the Figure of Eight Position: Step by Step
In most guides, the figure of eight is a rider-on-top position defined by its hip movement. Here, the "partner on top" is the one being penetrated and the "partner below" is the penetrating partner, whether with a penis or a strap-on. (A few sites use the same name for a lying-down position with intertwined legs. That is a different position with different mechanics.)
- The partner below lies on their back. Their legs can be straight or slightly bent.
- The partner on top straddles their hips, facing them. Kneel with one knee on each side of their hips, or squat with your feet flat if your knees prefer that. Rest your hands wherever feels steady.
- Guide entry and settle in. Lower yourself slowly to whatever depth feels good. Your thighs carry part of your weight, so your partner's pelvis is not pinned.
- Start with a gentle rock. Rock your hips forward and back, then side to side, keeping the movement small.
- Draw the eight. Loop your pelvis to the right, pass through the center, then loop to the left, as if drawing a sideways 8. Keep it small, smooth and continuous: this is a grind, not a ride.
- Let the partner below choose their role. They can hold your hips to guide the rhythm or simply lie back and enjoy it.
- Ease out. Slow to a stop, lift up gently and swing a leg over rather than twisting off.
How Deep the Figure of Eight Goes
Depth is entirely in the top partner's hands. Sitting all the way down keeps penetration deep and steady, because the hips circle rather than lift. Rising a little onto your knees makes it shallower while the loop still works.
Your torso angle fine-tunes it. Leaning forward usually reduces depth and increases contact between the vulva or clitoris and your partner's pubic bone. Leaning back tends to deepen it and angles pressure toward the front wall of the vagina. Some people feel that as G-spot-area stimulation, and others notice nothing special. If deep pressure starts to ache, lift up: deep is an option, not a goal.
Why the Figure of Eight Position Works
The loop changes the angle of penetration on every pass, so pressure keeps moving instead of hammering one spot. Because your bodies stay pressed together, it also adds steady external stimulation, a real plus for anyone who needs clitoral contact to enjoy penetration. The partner on top sets speed, depth and direction, so they can respond instantly to what feels good. It is also low impact and easy on the partner below, which makes it a useful addition to your list of types of sex positions.
3 Figure of Eight Variations to Try
- Leaning forward. Fold down onto your forearms for a closer, kissable version that trades depth for more clitoral contact.
- Wedge underneath. A firm pillow or wedge under your partner's pelvis tilts the angle and often adds depth, so go slowly at first.
- Seated lap version. Your partner sits up against a headboard or on a sturdy armless chair with you in their lap, so nobody has to kneel or lie flat.
Who the Figure of Eight Suits and When to Skip It
It suits couples who like slow, grinding rhythms more than fast thrusting. It is also kind to a partner below with limited mobility or a sore back, since all they need to do is lie comfortably.
Modify it, or choose something else, if one of these applies:
- Knee pain or tight hips (partner on top). Straddling asks for deep knee bend and open hips. Try the seated lap version, and if kneeling hurts at all, skip the kneeling setup.
- Wrist pain. Stay upright instead of leaning forward on your hands.
- Lower back pain. Big loops can make the rider arch. Keep the eight small and move from the hips, and stop if back pain sharpens.
- Pain with deep penetration. Lean forward and stay high. If the pain keeps coming back, it's worth raising with a doctor or pelvic health physiotherapist.
Figure of Eight Comfort, Safety and Consent
When flexibility is the limiting factor, props do the work. A folded towel or cushion under the knees makes kneeling easier, and a wedge under the partner below means the rider does not have to sink as low into the straddle. A headboard or wall gives you something to hold for balance. Plenty of lube keeps the continuous grinding comfortable. With latex condoms, use water- or silicone-based lube rather than oil. Safer-sex practices apply as usual.
Before you start, agree on a stop word or signal (a double tap works when talking feels awkward). Quick check-ins like "slower?", "less deep?" or "pause?" make it easy to adjust as you go. Pressure or unfamiliar effort can be fine. Sharp, burning or deep pain means stop, not push through.
Figure of Eight Position FAQ
Is the figure of eight position good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the gentler on-top positions to learn. The movement is slow and small, so you don't have to keep up a fast rhythm and there is little risk of slipping out. Practice the rock first and build up to the full eight once you feel steady.
Can you do the figure of eight position during pregnancy?
Often yes, especially with the pregnant partner on top, because nothing presses on the bump and they control depth. If the pregnant partner would be the one lying below, avoid lying flat on the back from mid-pregnancy, because the uterus can press on a large vein and cause dizziness or nausea. A wedge under one side or the seated lap version avoids this. If your pregnancy has any complications, check with your midwife or doctor first.
How is the figure of eight different from cowgirl?
The difference is the motion: a sideways loop instead of lifting or straight grinding. The setup looks like the cowboy position, but there the rider mostly moves up and down or back and forth. In the reverse cowgirl position, the rider also faces away. Many couples slip into the eight halfway through a cowgirl session.
How much strength does the partner on top need?
Mostly steady thighs, not a strong core. Your legs hold you up and your hips do the looping, so it is about stability more than effort. When your thighs tire, sit fully down and keep the loop tiny, or move to the seated lap version.
