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The Full Nelson Sex Position
When I talk about the full nelson, I’m not talking about the wrestling hold or indulging in a wrestling fetish (although this sex position is based on a wrestling move). The full nelson sex position is a truly athletic and challenging sex position, certainly not one for beginners! You might have seen it in porn and found it intriguing – it can look very sexy when it’s done right.
Think you’re up to the challenge? Well, this is your detailed guide to the full nelson, including how to perform it safely and top tips. Let’s get started!
What is the Full Nelson Sex Position?
The full nelson is a sex position named after a wrestling hold. The penetrating partner lies on their back and the receiving partner lies on top of them, also on their back.
The receiver bends their legs up as high as they can get them. The penetrating partner hooks their arms under the receiving partner’s legs and pulls them back, supporting their weight. They can put their hands together behind their partner’s neck if they are able.
It’s a thrilling and physically demanding position that requires both partners to be in sync. Both people need to be aware of each other’s comfort levels and physical limits. It’s best suited for energetic couples who enjoy a challenge.
If you’re wondering: “Can it actually be enjoyable?” The answer is yes – some couples do enjoy the full nelson!
Both partners need to be flexible and have good core strength. This is really important, as the position can carry some safety risks even for the fittest of people. I certainly wouldn’t recommend it if you’re disabled like me or struggle with mobility in any way.
It’s not an accessible position by any means, but couples of any gender can do it. If the penetrating partner isn’t a penis owner, they can use a strap-on. The full nelson sex position can be used for either vaginal or anal sex.
Why Do People Like the Full Nelson Position?
Since it’s such a difficult position, you’d be forgiven for wondering: “Why on earth do people like the full nelson?” There are actually lots of reasons!
If you can get the hang of it, the full nelson sex position offers deep penetration not to mention the rush of having pulled it off. It’s ideal for g-spot or prostate stimulation depending on whether you’re engaging in vaginal or anal sex.
The deep penetration can feel intense and very pleasurable for both the giver and the receiver. To increase pleasure even further, you can add sex toys and play around with different angles to see what feels best.
If you’re into BDSM and power play like I am, you’re probably always looking for positions that will fit in well with your dynamics – the full nelson sex position is perfect for this! The person on top is being restrained and has very little control, which makes it such a turn-on for dominant and submissive couples.
Trying new things, like tricky sex positions, can spice up your sex life and inject a sense of fresh excitement into a relationship. This is particularly true if you’re in a long-term relationship. Research shows that long-term couples who try new things in bed are more satisfied and maintain higher sexual desire.
I find that a difficult position like this can also increase the feeling of intimacy between you and your partner. In order to try the nelson sex position, you need to communicate openly with your partner, trust one another, and work together to make sure you perform it safely. Plus, with the right partner trying anything new can be great fun!
How to Perform the Full Nelson Position
Performing the full nelson sex position takes coordination, flexibility, and strength from both partners. It’s crucial that before you begin you talk about what the position involves, how you’re going to approach it, and address any concerns.
Once you’re ready, the easiest way to begin is in the reverse cowgirl position. The giver lies down flat on the bed on their back, and the receiver straddles them, facing away from them.
From there, the receiving partner lies back, supporting their weight on their hands to begin with. They raise their legs in a ‘V’ shape.
The penetrating partner then hooks their arms under their lover’s knees and pulls them back. The receiving partner’s knees should be at either side of their own head. The penetrating partner can then put their hands together behind their lover’s neck.
The penetrating partner’s legs should be bent slightly at this point with their feet flat on the bed to help them thrust upwards. They can then penetrate their partner anally or vaginally.
What Does the Receiving Partner Do in the Full Nelson Sex Position?
In the full nelson, the receiver straddles their partner then lies back, raises their legs and then lets their partner hold them in place. From there, the penetrating partner does most of the work.
If they’re a vulva owner and are able to balance well enough, they can use one hand to stimulate their clitoris or use a sex toy.
What Does the Penetrating Partner Do in the Full Nelson Sex Position?
The penetrating partner lies on the bottom, raises their legs, and holds their partner’s legs in the right position. They are the ones in control in this position. They control the pace, depth, and intensity of their thrusting.
Is the Full Nelson Sex Position Safe?
Given how much I’ve emphasized the difficulty of full nelson sex position, you might be wondering: “Is it safe?” When it’s done correctly by partners who are flexible and athletic enough, it can be a safe and fun position.
However, it’s really important that you understand the risks so that you can make an informed decision. Risks include:
Neck injury: The receiving partner’s neck is in a very vulnerable position in the full nelson position. If too much pressure is put on their neck they can be seriously injured. This is the biggest risk involved.
Penis injury: There’s a lot of balancing involved with the full nelson. If you are unable to maintain balance and slip to one side or wobble, it could result in a penis injury for the penetrating partner.
Breathing issues: Since the receiving partner is directly on top of their lover, it can make it hard to breathe for the person on the bottom. The position of the receiving partner’s neck can lead to shallower breathing for them too! It’s important to communicate throughout and take breaks when needed.
Pulled muscles: Since the position is so tricky to get into and maintain, it can put a lot of strain on the muscles of both partners. This could lead to a pulled muscle. I’d recommend stretching first to reduce this risk.
I wouldn’t recommend the full nelson for anyone who struggles with mobility, isn’t very flexible, or is prone to injury. If you have any sort of health issue with your neck, back, or your breathing, I would skip this position. I also wouldn’t recommend it if the receiving partner is considerably heavier than the other partner, as this could restrict their breathing too much.
Don’t worry – if this position isn’t achievable for you, there are plenty of other sex positions you can try.
Variations of the Full Nelson Position
There are some variations of the full nelson sex position you could try. Some of these variations are slightly easier to achieve, while others simply offer different benefits.
The Nelson’s Sandwich
Nelson’s sandwich is a common variation of the full nelson sex position that’s designed for threesomes and double penetration.
Picture the full nelson sex position but with another person on top of the receiving partner, penetrating their other hole. Of course, double penetration will only work if the receiving partner has a vagina.
This variation can add a new level of excitement and pleasure to the experience. But if you think the full nelson is tricky, this variation is even more difficult.
You have to work as a three-person team, communicating and navigating this tricky position together! Of course, this does make the risks even higher too. So, if you want to give it a try, proceed slowly and carefully.
The Bent Spoon
This is a much more accessible, easier-to-achieve version of the full nelson sex position. It’s also far more comfortable for both partners.
Instead of the receiving partner raising their legs and the penetrating partner holding their partner’s legs up, the receiver simply lies down on top of their partner. Think of it like a flat spooning position!
The penetrating partner’s legs should be bent with their feet resting on the floor, just like in the original position. The receiving partner’s legs should go at either side of the bottom partner’s legs. Or they can choose to bend their legs slightly and rest their feet on their partner’s knees.
It’s still tricky to balance and you still get deep penetration, but it’s a bit less risky and requires less strength.
Sex Positions That Are Similar to the Full Nelson Sex Position
If the variations above still don’t work for you, there are plenty of other choices that give the same sort of penetration and general ‘vibe’ as the full nelson sex position.
The Reverse Cowgirl
The reverse cowgirl is one of my favorite sex positions. It still lets you achieve deep penetration and lets the receiving partner be on top, but it’s far more accessible. Plus, it’s nowhere near as risky! To see why its risky checkout our article on reverse cowgirl position.
The penetrating partner lies on their back and the receiving partner straddles them. The receiver then ‘rides’ their partner.
You can even transition back and forth from the full nelson sex position to the reverse cowgirl if you like!
The Turtle
The turtle offers a similar challenge, deep penetration, and lets the penetrating partner be in control. However, it’s slightly easier to achieve and works better if either partner is plus-sized.
The receiving partner gets on their hands and knees then pulls their knees up to their chest, wrapping their arms around their legs. They’re curled up with their ass in the air.
The penetrating partner kneels behind them to slide inside. It’s sort of similar to doggy style but requires more flexibility from the receiver.
The Betty Rocker
Last but not least, we have the mind-blowing betty rocker position. This is like a combination of the reverse cowgirl, doggy style, and the full nelson.
The penetrating partner lies on their back while the receiving partner straddles them, facing away from them. Once the penetrating partner is inside them, they lead forward onto their hands, creating a unique angle.
I love this position – it feels so good, it lets the receiving partner be in control, and it’s a bit of a challenge without being too risky.
Tips to Get the Most Out of the Full Nelson Sex Position
If you want to give the full nelson sex position a go, it’s really important that you are well-prepared. I’ve included my top safety tips below, as well as some tips to help you get the most out of the position.
Safety Tips
Safe sex is always important. But with such a risky position, safety is even more vital. Here are some safety tips to get you started:
Talk to your partner: As with any new sexual position, it’s important for you to talk to your partner first. Chat about what you expect and what your boundaries are. Talk about the techniques you’re going to use to get into the right position, and whether you’re going to try vaginal or anal penetration.
Make sure you discuss what you’ll do if something starts to go wrong. You might want to have a safe word ready. This is not one of those sex positions you can get into spontaneously – you need to plan in advance.
Consent is key: Both partners need to fully understand the risks of this position so they can give informed consent.
Do your research: Take your time to fully research the full nelson sex position so you know how to approach it and what each partner’s role will be.
Use protection: Make sure you use protection like condoms, especially if you’re not in a committed relationship. STIs aren’t a turn-on!
Warm up first: Yes, I did say warm up! This is a very taxing position, so both partners should do some light stretching to warm up to it, just like you would do a challenging workout. This can reduce the risk of injury and help prepare your body for action.
Communicate during sex: Since there’s such high risk of injury with this sex position, it’s vital you maintain open lines of communication during intercourse. If one of you starts to feel uncomfortable, feels their breathing is too restricted, or feels like they may lose their balance – speak up!
Only do it for a short time: Even if everything goes to plan, full nelson sex puts a strain on the body and isn’t comfortable! Make sure you take breaks or switch between different positions. This position isn’t designed for longevity – it’s better for short, fun bursts of penetration.
Avoid if you have pre-existing health conditions: If you have any pre-existing conditions that affect your neck, back, muscles, breathing, or mobility, it’s best to avoid this position for your safety.
Tips for Enhancing Pleasure
Ok, now we’ve done the serious bits, let’s get on with the fun stuff! Here are some tips to make the full nelson position feel even better:
Use lube: Using lube can help things to run much more smoothly. If you’re having anal sex, lube is vital as the anus doesn’t self lubricate like the vagina.
Clitoral stimulation: If the person on top has a vulva, they can use their hand to give themselves clitoral stimulation. This can make the full nelson even more pleasurable.
Add sex toys: I love adding in sex toys to any sex position. It makes everything feel so much more intense. With the full nelson position you could add in a cock ring which can intensify the feeling of penetration for both partners, especially if the penetrating partner has a penis. Some penis owners find that a cock ring can help them to maintain an erection. The LELO TOR 3 cock ring is a popular choice for its multiple vibration settings.
If the receiving partner has a vulva, they can use a vibrator for clitoral stimulation instead of their hand. A wand vibrator is a great option for this because it will be easier to reach just the right spot.
Experiment with angles: Both partners can slightly adjust their legs in the full nelson position to change the sensations. It’s fun to experiment with different angles, as well as varying paces of thrusting.
Try different variations: Even if you can achieve the full nelson, mixing things up keeps it interesting. Try mixing in different variations of the position, or switching between the full nelson and reverse cowgirl. This gives both partner’s a break while keeping the sexual arousal going.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves: Remember that sex is supposed to be fun! If you try the full nelson and can’t do it or something goes wrong, try to laugh about it and move on. Don’t take things too seriously. Relax and enjoy yourself!
Final Thoughts: The Full Nelson Isn’t Just For Wrestling!
The full nelson sex position is a challenge to say the least. If you and your partner want to give it a go, remember to communicate openly, prioritize safety, and be mindful of each other’s comfort levels. But most of all, remember to have a good time!
