The sidekick sex position is a side-lying, rear-entry position similar to spooning: both partners lie on their sides facing the same direction, with the penetrating partner positioned behind the receiving partner, often lifting or hooking one of their legs back for a deeper angle. It's a relaxed, low-effort position that works well for slower, closer sex, and it's easy to hold for a while since neither partner needs to support much weight. Here's the sidekick sex position broken down step by step, plus how it actually differs from a couple of positions it often gets confused with.
How to Do the Sidekick Position Step by Step
Lie on your sides. Both partners lie on their sides facing the same direction, with the receiving partner in front and the penetrating partner behind them.
Get close. The penetrating partner scoots in close, aligning their hips with the receiving partner's.
Hook a leg. The receiving partner lifts or bends their top leg back, resting it over the penetrating partner's hip or leg, which opens up the angle.
Line up and enter. The penetrating partner enters from behind at the angle created by the raised leg.
Find your rhythm. Slow, steady rocking motions tend to work best from this side-lying angle.
Adjust as you go. Small changes in hip angle or how high the leg is raised can shift the depth and sensation.
Sidekick vs Sidewinder vs Sideways Missionary
These three side-lying positions get mixed up constantly, so here's how the sidekick sex position actually compares:
Sidekick: both partners face the same direction, the penetrating partner enters from behind, similar to spooning with a raised leg.
Sidewinder: the receiving partner also lies on their side, but the penetrating partner kneels instead of lying down, straddling the receiver's lower leg and holding the raised upper leg against their chest. See our full sidewinder position guide for that angle.
Sideways missionary: both partners face each other on their sides, rather than facing the same direction, which is the biggest difference from the sidekick. See our sideways missionary position guide for that version.
Sidekick Position Tips for Deeper Penetration
Raising the top leg higher, or drawing both knees slightly toward the chest, can increase depth. The penetrating partner can also gently pull the receiving partner's hips back for a closer, deeper connection. Since it's a slower position, small adjustments matter more here than in faster, more athletic positions, so take your time finding the angle that works. A rolled towel or thin pillow under the receiving partner's raised knee can also help hold that angle steady without anyone having to tense a muscle to keep it there.
Who the Sidekick Position Suits and Who Should Be Careful
This one suits people who want closeness and a slower pace without much physical effort from either partner. It's also a comfortable option later in the day, when energy is lower, or for anyone who finds face-to-face positions tiring to hold for very long. Couples who like spooning as a resting position but want to add penetration without fully changing position tend to like it too, since the transition from cuddling into this one is easy and natural.
A few situations call for extra care. Hip flexibility limits can make the raised leg uncomfortable, so keep it lower or rest it on a pillow instead of holding it up yourself. Shoulder or arm strain can come up if you're propping yourself up rather than lying flat, so relax into the mattress instead and let the pillow under your head do the work. During pregnancy, many people find side-lying positions like this one more comfortable than positions that put weight on the belly, though it's worth checking with your doctor about what's right for you as things progress.
Sidekick Sex Position Comfort and Safety Tips
A water-based lubricant helps with the angle this position creates, especially since the raised leg can change the depth quickly.
A pillow between or under the knees can take pressure off the hips and make the position more comfortable to hold for longer.
This position doesn't lower the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections on its own, so keep using condoms or other barrier protection as you normally would.
If your hip or leg starts to ache from holding the raised position, lower it or take a short break rather than pushing through the discomfort.
Talking About It and Consent
Because the sidekick sex position is slower and closer, a quiet check-in fits naturally into the pace. A few phrases that help:
"Want to try the sidekick position?"
"Is this leg height comfortable for you?"
"Can we slow down even more?"
"This feels really close and good."
Since you're facing the same direction and not looking directly at each other's faces, checking in with words matters more than usual. Agree on a simple phrase or touch signal that means "pause" so either partner can use it without breaking the mood.
Sidekick Sex Position FAQ
How is sidekick different from spooning?
They're closely related. Spooning is often the resting, cuddling version of this side-lying setup, while the sidekick sex position specifically involves the receiving partner raising or hooking one leg back for a deeper angle during penetration. Our spooning position guide covers that gentler version in more detail.
Is the sidekick good for beginners?
Yes, it's a low-effort, easy-to-hold position that doesn't require much flexibility or strength, which makes it a good one to try early on.
Can the sidekick sex position work during pregnancy?
Many people find side-lying positions like this one comfortable during pregnancy since they avoid pressure on the belly, but check with your doctor about what's appropriate for your situation.
What if the sidekick position doesn't feel deep enough?
Try raising the top leg higher, drawing your knees slightly toward your chest, or having the penetrating partner pull your hips back gently for a closer angle.
Do I need to be flexible for the sidekick sex position?
No. It's one of the more forgiving positions since the raised leg can rest anywhere from barely lifted to fully hooked back over your partner's hip, depending on what's comfortable for you that day.
