The screwdriver sex position is a side-angled rear-entry position: the receiving partner lies on their side at the edge of the bed with knees bent and legs pressed together, and the entering partner stands or kneels behind them, coming in on a slight diagonal. Closed legs plus that angle make it feel snug, and the bed carries the receiving partner's whole weight. No twisting required, despite the name.
A quick note on the name: some guides use "Screwdriver" for a seated version where the receiving partner sits on the edge of a table with crossed legs. This guide covers the more common side-lying version.
How to Do the Screwdriver Position Step by Step
- Set up at the edge. The receiving partner lies on their side with their hips right at the edge of the bed. A pillow under the head keeps the neck neutral, and a folded towel under the bottom hip softens the pressure.
- Bend and close the legs. Knees come up toward the chest, roughly at a right angle, with knees and ankles stacked together.
- Get the entering partner stable. They stand behind their partner's hips with feet hip-width apart and knees soft. If the bed is too low, use the kneeling variation below. If it's too high, raise the receiving partner's hips on a firm pillow.
- Find the diagonal. The entering partner comes in at a slight angle rather than straight on, with one hand on the mattress or resting lightly on their partner's hip. Keep your weight in your own legs, not on your partner. Use plenty of lube before you start.
- Start shallow and slow. Closed legs naturally limit depth, so let the receiving partner steer by adjusting how much their knees bend (see the variations below).
- Exit or switch. Slow down, pause, and pull out gently. From here the receiving partner can roll onto their back or scoot up the bed to spoon.
Why the Screwdriver Position Works
The closed legs create a tighter fit and more friction for both partners, often with less depth than doggy style. The diagonal approach changes where the pressure lands. For some people with a vagina it may reach the front or side walls in a way straight-on positions don't, though how that feels depends on anatomy and arousal.
Because the receiving partner lies on the bed, their wrists, knees and shoulders carry no load, and their hands are free for clitoral touch or a small toy. The standing partner sets the rhythm with their legs rather than their arms, which tends to feel smoother. It's a handy addition to your list of rear-entry types of sex positions when you want closeness without all-fours.
3 Screwdriver Position Variations
- Knees to chest. The receiving partner pulls their knees higher toward the chest. This tilts the pelvis more and usually increases depth, so it suits people who like firmer pressure and have flexible hips.
- Top leg forward. The top leg slides forward past the bottom one, opening the angle a little. It's less snug and gentler on stiff hips, and it works well for larger bodies or when deeper pressure is uncomfortable.
- Low and kneeling. The entering partner kneels on a cushion beside a low bed or sofa. This solves height mismatches and spares a sensitive lower back. A wide, firm cushion helps the knees.
Who the Screwdriver Suits and When to Skip It
It's a good fit if all-fours is hard on your wrists, knees or shoulders, if you enjoy a snug feel more than deep thrusting, or if you want a low-effort rear-entry option. If you'd rather face the mattress or want more chest-to-back contact, try upright doggy style instead.
Modify it or skip it if:
- You've had a hip replacement or have hip pain. Deep knee-to-chest bending with crossed legs is a common post-surgery restriction, so check with your care team and use the top-leg-forward version.
- Deep pressure hurts, for example with endometriosis or vulvodynia. Stay shallow, or choose a position where the receiving partner controls depth.
- The entering partner has lower back pain and the bed height can't be adjusted.
Comfort, Safety and Consent
Bed height is the main comfort factor. The entering partner's hips should line up with their partner's hips without hunching or tiptoeing. Firm pillows work better than soft piles that shift, and a towel under the hip keeps things comfortable. If the standing partner's legs or back start to tire, take a break or switch positions rather than pushing through.
Since you're not face to face, agree on a word or a tap that means "slow down" or "stop" before you begin. Either partner can use it at any point, no explanation needed. Sharp pain, numbness or cramping in the hip is a cue to stop, not something to adjust around.
Screwdriver Position FAQ
Does the screwdriver position work with a strap-on?
Yes, it works for any couple where the entering partner wears a harness. Choose a harness that sits snugly against the pubic bone so the toy stays steady at the diagonal angle. A shorter or more flexible toy suits the closed-leg fit, and silicone toys need water-based lube rather than silicone-based.
Can you do the screwdriver position during pregnancy?
Side-lying is often one of the more comfortable options in pregnancy, since it keeps weight off the belly and avoids lying flat on the back. Keep the knees lower so they don't press into the bump, and support the belly with a pillow. Check with your midwife or doctor first, and stop if you notice pain, bleeding or cramping.
What if it feels too tight or uncomfortable?
More lube and more warm-up usually make the biggest difference, because closed legs add friction. Slide the top leg forward to loosen the fit, keep the movement shallow, and pause whenever you need to. If it still hurts, skip this one for now; pain during sex is worth mentioning to a healthcare provider.
How is the screwdriver different from doggy style and spooning?
The receiving partner lies on their side with closed legs, rather than on all-fours (doggy) or lying side by side with both partners horizontal (spooning). The entering partner stands or kneels at the edge of the bed, which gives them more control over the rhythm than spooning does. It feels snugger and usually less deep than doggy style.
Does the "screwdriver" name mean you should twist?
No, the name refers to the angled entry, not a twisting motion. Rotating or forcing the hips can strain the lower back and pelvis. The effect comes from side-lying with closed legs and a diagonal approach, so keep the movement in a straight line.
