The anvil sex position is a missionary-adjacent position where the receiving partner raises their legs toward their chest or places ankles on the penetrating partner’s shoulders, creating a pelvic tilt that allows for significantly deeper penetration. It’s one of the more popular positions for G-spot stimulation and intimate eye contact — and far less physically demanding than it looks.
Part 1. What Is the Anvil Sex Position?
The anvil is a modified missionary position. The receiving partner lies on their back and pulls their knees toward their chest while the penetrating partner kneels or leans forward. The name refers to the angle the bodies create — a firm, elevated base with a direct line of entry.
Unlike standard missionary, the anvil’s pelvic tilt creates more direct contact with the anterior vaginal wall (where the G-spot is located) and allows for deeper strokes without requiring a dramatic shift in positioning.
| Feature | Missionary | Anvil |
|---|---|---|
| Leg position | Flat or slightly bent | Raised toward chest or on shoulders |
| Penetration depth | Moderate | Deep |
| G-spot access | Indirect | More direct |
| Eye contact | Yes | Yes (enhanced) |
| Physical demand (receiver) | Low | Low-moderate |
| Physical demand (giver) | Low | Low-moderate |
Part 2. How to Get Into the Anvil Position: Step by Step
The transition from missionary to anvil takes less than 30 seconds. There’s no need to start from scratch.
Starting from missionary:
- Begin in standard missionary — receiving partner on their back, penetrating partner on top or kneeling.
- The receiving partner draws their knees toward their chest. Their feet can hover in the air or rest against the partner’s torso.
- The penetrating partner adjusts upright slightly — kneeling tall rather than leaning forward flat.
- Entry happens at the new angle. Begin with slow, short strokes to gauge depth and comfort.
- The receiving partner can adjust their legs to increase or decrease the tilt based on what feels best.
🗣️ r/sex user: “Put a pillow under her hips before you start — it takes all the work out of maintaining the angle and makes it way more comfortable for both people.”
Communication during setup: Because depth changes significantly in this position, both partners should check in during the first few strokes. “Deeper?” or “Is this okay?” takes seconds and prevents discomfort.
Part 3. Why the Anvil Works: Benefits
The anvil is popular because the physics of the position work in the receiver’s favor in several specific ways.
Deeper penetration: The raised-leg angle allows the penetrating partner to reach further with each stroke. For many receiving partners, this creates a sensation that standard missionary doesn’t reach.
More direct G-spot stimulation: When the pelvis tilts back (which the raised leg position produces), penetration naturally angles toward the anterior vaginal wall — where the G-spot and A-spot (anterior fornix) are located. This is why many people describe the anvil as delivering a noticeably different type of internal stimulation.
Emotional intimacy: Unlike doggy style or other rear-entry positions, the anvil maintains full face-to-face contact. Eye contact, kissing, and verbal communication remain available throughout.
🗣️ r/sex user: “Tried the anvil last weekend. The depth is genuinely different from missionary — you have to take it slow at first but it’s worth it.”
Part 4. Anvil Sex Position Variations
| Variation | Setup | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Anvil | Knees to chest, feet in air | Beginners; most accessible |
| Shoulder Holder | Ankles on penetrating partner’s shoulders | Maximum depth; flexible receiver |
| Eagle | Legs spread wide rather than parallel | More openness; different stimulation angle |
| Supported Anvil | Pillow or wedge under hips | Anyone with hip or lower back sensitivity |
| Edge of Bed | Receiver at bed edge, giver stands on floor | More leverage for the penetrating partner |
Part 5. Safety: Deep Penetration Without Discomfort
Deep penetration positions require a few extra considerations:
- Go slower than you think you need to. The first few strokes of a deeper position let both partners calibrate. Pain or sharp discomfort at depth is a signal to reduce the angle, not push through it.
- Cervical contact: In the anvil, at maximum depth, the penetrating partner may contact the cervix. For some this is neutral; for others it’s painful. If pressure at depth is uncomfortable, reduce the leg elevation or use a shorter stroke.
- Warm up first: Arousal increases vaginal depth. The fully aroused vagina extends by roughly 30–50%, making deep positions significantly more comfortable.
Use additional lubrication: Deep penetration positions create higher friction than standard missionary. Apply a water-based lubricant before starting and reapply as needed.
Part 6. OopXlab Picks: Adding Clitoral Stimulation in the Anvil
The anvil’s open positioning makes it well-suited to adding simultaneous clitoral stimulation. The receiving partner’s hands are free, and the space between bodies is accessible.
OopXlab‘s Oxi-4 Clit Suction Vibrator can be held against the clitoris by either partner during the anvil — its compact design doesn’t interfere with penetration, and the suction + vibration combination alongside deep internal stimulation creates a blended orgasm effect that many women find significantly more intense than either type alone.
Using a toy in the anvil:
Step 1 — Agree on the toy and who holds it before getting into position.
Step 2 — Get into the anvil and establish a comfortable rhythm first before introducing the toy.
Step 3 — Apply the toy to the clitoris while maintaining the position. Let the receiving partner guide intensity.
FAQ
What is the anvil sex position?
The anvil is a missionary-based position where the receiving partner raises their knees toward their chest, creating a pelvic tilt that allows for deeper penetration and more direct G-spot stimulation while maintaining face-to-face contact.
How deep is too deep in the anvil position?
Discomfort or sharp pain at depth — especially if it feels like cervical pressure — is the signal to reduce the angle. Slightly lower the receiving partner’s legs to reduce how far back the pelvis tilts, which reduces depth.
Is the anvil good for beginners?
Yes, especially with a pillow under the receiving partner’s hips. The setup is straightforward, doesn’t require flexibility, and is easy to adjust. The key is starting with slow, shallow strokes and communicating as you go.
What is the difference between the anvil and the piledriver?
The piledriver takes the leg angle further — the receiving partner’s legs come up and over, with the pelvis rotating backward. It’s a more extreme version of the anvil’s angle, offering more depth but also more physical demand on the receiver.
Does the anvil stimulate the G-spot?
The pelvic tilt in the anvil tends to direct penetration toward the anterior vaginal wall where the G-spot is located. Whether any individual person feels this as G-spot stimulation varies, but the angle is mechanically designed for it.
Can you add a toy to the anvil position?
Yes — the anvil’s open positioning makes clitoral toys easy to use. Either partner can hold a small vibrator or clit sucker against the clitoris during penetration.
Does the anvil work for anal sex?
Yes. The same raised-leg pelvic tilt applies to anal penetration, and the position is commonly used for anal as well. Extra lubrication is essential, and the same principle applies: start shallow, go slowly, and communicate.
