What Is The Legs Back Launch Pad Sex Position
The Legs Back Launch Pad sex position is a missionary variation where the partner on their back draws their legs up and back toward their chest while the other partner kneels between their thighs. Pulling the knees back tilts the pelvis and shortens the distance the kneeling partner has to cover, and that change in angle is why this setup tends to feel deeper than flat missionary. You're still facing each other the whole time, so eye contact, talking, and a free hand for extra stimulation are always available.
You may also see it written as one word, “launchpad,” or labeled simply as “legs back.” These names all refer to the same basic position. This guide covers the setup shown by Adam & Eve, along with gentler variations for adjusting the angle and comfort.
Adam & Eve rates the legs back launch pad as an intermediate position, meaning it's a moderately challenging one for people who want to try something new. It's known for deep penetration and easy access to several erogenous zones at once. The position does require some flexibility in the hips and legs, but you don't need to force your legs back as far as possible. Bring your knees toward your chest only as far as feels comfortable. Even a partial lift changes the angle and still creates the basic launch pad position.
If you want to explore similar variations, our guide to missionary positions covers other ways to change the angle and setup. Our wider sex positions guide covers additional positions that use a similar approach.
Leg Position, Support, and Pacing
Getting into the launch pad position is fairly simple. Before you start, talk about how far back the legs feel comfortable and agree on a starting position. Once you're in position, either partner can adjust the leg position at any time. There’s no need to force the legs farther back than feels comfortable.
- The receiving partner lies flat on their back with their legs apart and their knees bent.
- They slip their arms under their knees and take hold of their ankles or the backs of their thighs, whichever is easier to reach.
- They lift the ankles and draw the legs back toward the chest, going only as far as feels comfortable. Stopping partway is a real version of the position, not a lesser one.
- The kneeling partner moves in between the thighs and rests their hands or forearms on the receiving partner's thighs. That contact steadies the kneeling partner and helps hold the legs where they are, so the receiving partner's arms can relax.
- From there the kneeling partner can thrust, or use the open access for oral sex, which this angle suits just as well as penetration.
Pacing belongs to whoever is on their back, since they can feel the angle before anyone else can. Start shallow, give yourselves a moment to settle into it, and check in once you're there.
If the position feels too deep, say so and adjust it. You can reduce the angle, shift the hips, or lower one leg until it feels more comfortable.
If you’d rather not talk in the moment, agree on a simple hand signal beforehand. A touch on the hip can be enough to let your partner know that you want to adjust the position.
Pillow and Wedge Variations
The launch pad can be set up in more than one way. In the legs-back version described above, the receiving partner brings their legs toward their chest and uses their arms to help hold them in position. Another option is to place a firm pillow or wedge under the hips, which creates a similar pelvic tilt without requiring as much flexibility.
Both setups can create a deeper angle than flat missionary, but the pillow or wedge version puts less demand on the hamstrings. If bringing the legs back feels uncomfortable, elevating the hips can be an easier alternative.
Small changes to the leg position, hip height, and support can also change the angle and comfort. Try different combinations to find what works best for you.
- Feet on the chest or shoulders. The receiving partner rests their feet against the kneeling partner rather than holding their own legs, which lets their arms relax completely and gives the kneeling partner control over how far back the legs travel.
- Legs wide instead of high. Opening the legs out rather than folding them up keeps the pelvis tilted while asking far less of your hamstrings, which makes it the easiest swap to reach for partway through.
- One leg back, one leg down. Dropping one leg flat while the other stays back shifts the angle and halves the flexibility demand, and switching sides midway is easy to do without breaking the rhythm.
- The kneeling partner takes the weight. Holding the legs for your partner turns a solo stretch into something you're doing together, and it gives the person underneath somewhere to rest their arms.
If you like the deeper angle of the launch pad but want a different setup, try the hinge or the covered bridge.
Depth, Flexibility and Checking In
The launch pad can create a deeper angle than regular missionary, so it may not feel comfortable for everyone. StatPearls notes that deep pain during sex can occur with deep penetration and may be affected by sexual position. If the depth feels like too much, ease the angle back, lower one leg, or switch positions. There's no reason to push through discomfort.
It also helps to let the partner experiencing the depth guide how far and how fast you go. Talk about what feels good, make adjustments when needed, and don't treat changing the position as something that interrupts the experience. It's simply part of finding what works for both of you.
Flexibility matters, but you don't need to be especially flexible to try this position. Your knees don't need to reach your shoulders, and there's no benefit to forcing your legs farther back than feels comfortable. Start with a smaller range of motion and adjust from there. A pillow or wedge under the hips can also create the angle without requiring as much flexibility.
The goal is simple: find an angle that feels good, communicate as you go, and adjust whenever you need to.
Other Things To Consider
Do you have to be flexible? No. The position is rated intermediate because the full legs-back version asks something of your hips and hamstrings, not because there is a threshold to clear. Legs held wider rather than higher, feet resting on your partner's chest, or a cushion under your hips all produce the tilted angle without the stretch.
Is it beginner friendly? It's a reasonable first step past flat missionary, especially in the pillow-under-the-hips version. You're in a familiar face-to-face setup, you can see each other, and you can undo the whole thing in a second by putting your feet down.
Why does it feel deeper than regular missionary? Bringing the knees toward the chest tilts the pelvis, which changes the angle of penetration. That can make the position feel deeper than regular missionary, although the sensation will vary from person to person.
What should go under the hips? Something firm. A folded blanket or a dense cushion works, and a purpose-made wedge holds its shape better than a bed pillow that flattens under weight. Our guide to sex furniture covers what the different shapes actually do.
What about lube? Because the launch pad can create a deeper angle, plenty of lubrication can make the position more comfortable and reduce friction. Apply lube before you start and add more as needed, especially if you're adjusting the angle or changing positions. If you’re looking for a lube to keep on hand, an all-purpose water-based lubricant can help make the experience smoother and more comfortable.
What if the angle is not working for you? Plenty of other positions can create a different angle without requiring you to lift your legs. Lazy doggy and bent over change the approach entirely, scissoring spoon keeps things low effort and close, and thigh master hands the pace to the partner on top.
Use a Pillow, Wedge, or Lube for More Comfort
A firm pillow or wedge under the hips can make the launch pad easier to maintain. Instead of relying on the legs to create the pelvic tilt, the support raises the hips and changes the angle while allowing the legs to stay lower and more relaxed. An inflatable position pillow lets you adjust the height, while a firm wedge provides a more consistent angle.
Lubricant can also make the position more comfortable by reducing friction, particularly when the angle feels deeper than regular missionary. Apply it before you start and add more as needed. If you're deciding between water- and silicone-based options, our guide to finding the best lube explains the differences. For a simple water-based option, try our Adam & Eve Lubricant.
Ready to make the angle easier on your legs? Browse position pillows and wedges at Adam & Eve and pick the support that fits your bed and your body.
