The Full Nelson Sex Position

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Borrowed from a wrestling hold, the Full Nelson turns into a distinctive sex position for couples eager to try something new. It's also excellent for deeper penetration.

As the penetrating partner, you lie on your back with knees bent and feet planted flat, while the receiving partner lies on top, also on their back.

As the receiving partner, bend your knees and pull them back toward your chest or shoulders while your partner wraps their arms beneath and around your thighs. They can also slide their hands behind your neck, mimicking the original wrestling hold, if that's comfortable for both of you.

What The Receiver Does In The Full Nelson Position

The Full Nelson counts as one of the more unusual sex positions, so your movement is fairly limited since you can't shift around freely. Staying in place is really your main job.

That said, there's still a bit you can do:

• Keep your thighs pulled back.
• Rest your arms over your partner's for extra body contact.
• Rub your clitoris or bring in a toy if you've got the balance and a free hand. These masturbation techniques center on clitoral stimulation.
• Do some Kegels to boost pleasure for yourself or your partner.

What The Penetrating Partner Does In The Full Nelson Position

The penetrating partner carries most of the physical work in this sex position. You'll be thrusting from underneath, using your grip on your partner's body for leverage. If reaching behind their neck feels awkward or uncomfortable for either of you, just hold their thighs instead.

You can also:

• Finger your partner while having anal sex in this position
• Give their clitoris or pussy a light slap if they're into that and have consented
• Moan, whisper, or talk dirty into their ear
• Kiss their head, hair, neck, shoulder, or ear

How To Enhance The Full Nelson Position

The Full Nelson is genuinely challenging and won't suit every couple depending on body size, shape, strength, and flexibility. Still, a handful of tips can make it more manageable if it's giving you trouble, or even hotter if you already love it.

Reverse Cowgirl Start – Struggling to get into position? Start in Reverse Cowgirl first, then lean back from there.

Thigh Spread – As the receiving partner, try spreading your legs outward instead of pulling them back. Your partner can then slide their arms under and around your thighs to hold everything steady.

Bondage – Let your partner tie you up. Thigh cuffs or rope work can help you hold this position without straining to keep your thighs up yourself. Tips for light bondage.

Related: 17 bondage positions for your next BDSM & sex session.

Leg Position – The penetrating partner can experiment with different leg placements to find better balance.

Mirror Gazing – Mount a mirror on the ceiling or set one up facing the bed so you can watch yourselves in the Full Nelson.

Hand Support – As the receiving partner, try leaning back onto your hands on the bed to support some of your weight, then use that leverage to move your hips.

Vibrators – Add a wearable vibrator during sex for extra clitoral stimulation.

Standing – The penetrating partner can attempt the Full Nelson standing up, but only with enough strength to pull it off.

Anal Sex – Anal sex works fairly smoothly in the Full Nelson. Want to ramp things up? Add a dildo for double penetration. Tips for preparing for anal sex.

Variations of the Full Nelson & Similar Positions

While the Full Nelson stands fairly apart, it shares some DNA with a few other positions. Certain acrobatic positions might also scratch the same itch.

1. Bent Spoon

Bent Spoon is essentially an easier Full Nelson. Instead of holding your thighs up, bend your knees slightly and rest your feet against your partner's legs.

2. Sandwich

Sandwich delivers similar sensations while you stay comfortably on your back — kneeling may also be an easier option for your partner.

3. Reverse Cowgirl

Reverse Cowgirl shares some similarity with Full Nelson but is considerably easier to pull off. Feel free to switch between the two.

4. Betty Rocker

Full Nelson and Betty Rocker both involve pulling your knees toward your chest, and you'll be on top for both. The difference: instead of leaning back, you lean forward over your partner's legs.

Related: 18 Woman On Top Positions

5. Turtle

Turtle position blends holding your knees close to your chest with Doggy Style for a unique feel.

Sean's Thoughts On The Full Nelson Sex Position

The Full Nelson is a genuinely fun position, but it's also a demanding one. It can feel uncomfortable since your body — belly, breasts, and all — ends up somewhat scrunched together. It also tends to work less well if either partner is larger, or if the penetrating partner is on the smaller side.

Related: 5 best sex positions for a small penis [+3 techniques to make her cum].

Honestly, the Full Nelson is usually easier to manage when the receiving partner is fairly petite.

Holding this position for long stretches probably isn't realistic. But the Full Nelson makes a great finishing move once either or both of you are close to orgasm — don't be afraid to give it a shot!

October 16, 2024