The grasshopper sex position is a lying-down rear-entry position: the receiving partner lies flat on their stomach with legs together, and the penetrating partner lies over them with their knees on the outside. Closed legs make it feel snug, a pillow under the hips sets the angle, and nobody has to hold up their full body weight. Quick note: a few sites use the name for a side-lying spooning variation; this guide covers the more common face-down version.
How to Do the Grasshopper Position: Step by Step
- Set up the receiver. The receiving partner lies face down on a firm mattress, legs straight and together, head turned to one side or resting on folded arms.
- Move in from behind. The penetrating partner kneels astride the receiver's thighs, knees outside their legs, then leans forward onto their forearms, carrying their own weight.
- Enter slowly. The receiver lifts up slightly to make entry easier, then settles back down. Use plenty of lube, since closed legs add friction.
- Find a rhythm. Small rocking or grinding movements work better here than long thrusts, because the closed legs naturally limit depth. The receiver can squeeze their thighs together or press upward to change the sensation.
- Finish and exit. Withdraw slowly and roll off to the side. From there it is an easy move into a cuddle.
Why the Grasshopper Position Works
The grasshopper works because closed legs and a slight pelvic tilt change both tightness and angle. With the receiver's thighs pressed together, the entrance feels narrower and there is more friction, while depth stays moderate. That suits people who like a snug feel but find very deep thrusting uncomfortable.
A firm pillow under the receiver's hips is the angle that changes everything. It tilts the pelvis so penetration is directed more toward the front wall of the vagina, which may reach the G-spot area for some people. For anal sex, the same tilt may put pressure toward the prostate in people who have one. Responses vary, so treat this as something to explore, not a guarantee. Meanwhile the receiver does very little work: no kneeling, no weight on the wrists.
Grasshopper Position Variations
- Flat Grasshopper. The basic setup with nothing underneath: the snuggest, shallowest version.
- Pillow-Lift Grasshopper. Adds the wedge described above for a slightly deeper angle; keep it low enough to avoid arching.
- Kneeling Grasshopper. The penetrating partner stays upright instead of leaning down, which spares their shoulders and keeps all weight off the receiver.
Who the Grasshopper Suits (and When to Skip It)
It suits couples who prefer slow, close sex and receivers with sore knees or wrists, since the receiver simply lies down. It is a gentler alternative to doggy style when kneeling is the problem.
Adapt it or choose something else if:
- The receiver has neck pain. Keeping the head turned to one side can strain the neck. Rest the forehead on folded arms, or switch positions.
- The receiver has lower back pain. Skip the hip pillow or keep it very low.
- The penetrating partner has shoulder or wrist issues. Use the kneeling variation.
- Being face down feels like too much. The receiver's movement and view are limited, which some people find intense or unsettling. That is a perfectly good reason to pick a face-to-face position instead.
Comfort, Safety and Consent
The receiver should always be able to breathe easily and shift position. Nobody's full weight should rest on them, and a cushion under the chest helps if lying flat feels heavy.
Because the receiver cannot see their partner's face, agree on a non-verbal stop signal before you start, such as two taps on the mattress or on the partner's arm. Either of you can say "stop," "slower," or "let's reset" at any point without explaining why. Stop and change something if there is sharp pain, pinching, or numbness.
Related Positions
If you enjoy this one, explore other rear-entry positions, from low-effort lying-down options to deeper kneeling ones. For more ideas, browse our list of sex positions to try.
Grasshopper Position FAQ
Is the grasshopper a good position for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the easiest rear-entry positions to start with. The receiver simply lies down and the closed legs naturally limit depth. Try the flat version first, then add a pillow once you know what feels good.
Can you do the grasshopper position while pregnant?
Usually only early on, because lying flat on your stomach tends to become uncomfortable as pregnancy progresses. Most people switch to a side-lying rear-entry position, which keeps a similar feel without pressure on the bump. If you have questions about sex during your pregnancy, check with your midwife or doctor.
How is the grasshopper different from prone bone or doggy style?
In the grasshopper, the receiver's legs stay together with the partner's knees outside them. In prone bone, the receiver usually has their legs apart with the partner between them, which allows deeper entry. Doggy style puts the receiver on hands and knees, so it goes deeper and asks more of the joints.
What if the grasshopper feels too tight or hurts?
Add more lube and slow down first. If it still feels too tight, the receiver can part their legs slightly or you can remove the hip pillow. If pain continues, switch to another position.
Can the receiving partner orgasm in the grasshopper?
Many people can, especially with added external stimulation. The receiver can grind against the mattress or a pillow, or slip a hand or a small vibrator underneath. Since their hands are free, this is easy to add without changing the position.
