Ringing the Bell

If you are looking to mix things up, Ringing the Bell is a popular variation of the traditional doggy-style sex position with one simple adjustment. Instead of keeping a flat back, the person on their knees lowers their chest and shoulders toward the bed, keeps their thighs and knees together, and lifts their hips as high as feels comfortable. Their partner then kneels behind them to enter from this elevated angle.

Why People Try It

• A Familiar Twist: Because it builds on a classic setup, it is easy to transition into while offering a distinctly new experience.
• A Deeper Angle: Tilting the hips up and closing the legs changes the entry angle, which many people describe as noticeably deeper.
• Beginner-Friendly: It frequently pops up on recommendation lists for couples because it is straightforward to learn and adjust.

While it is easy to learn, it might not suit every body right away. The setup requires some flexibility from your knees, neck, and shoulders, and holding the posture for too long can sometimes lead to muscle cramps.

Tip: Placing a cushion under the hips and keeping a slower pace can dramatically improve comfort and take the pressure off your joints.

If this angle sounds appealing, it is actually part of a whole family of related positions. Several other options in our doggy-style sex positions guide use a similar foundation at different angles, and many of them are much gentler on the knees.

Start from something you already know rather than building the whole shape at once. Regular doggy style is the foundation here, and everything that follows is a small adjustment the two of you make together.

Talk through the setup before you start. Since one partner may not be able to see exactly what the other is doing, saying what you're about to do and checking in as you go can help both of you feel comfortable and avoid rushing.

It also helps to have everything you need nearby. A padded surface, a firm pillow or cushion for support under the hips, and plenty of lubricant mean you can make adjustments without having to stop and search for something.

1. Get into regular doggy style on a bed or another surface that gives your knees some padding.
2. The kneeling partner walks their hands forward and lowers their chest and shoulders toward the mattress, resting on their forearms or turning one cheek to the side rather than pressing the face straight down.
3. Bring the knees and thighs together so the legs are closed, then shift the weight forward slightly so the hips lift and the back curves.
4. Slide a pillow or a firm cushion under the hips if the angle feels steep or the lower back starts working too hard.
5. Decide together where hands go before anything else happens, including whether either of you wants a hand resting on the shoulders or the back of the neck.
6. Apply lubricant, then begin slowly and shallowly, and let the partner on their knees call for more depth or less rather than guessing at it.

Give the first minute to finding a pace rather than settling straight into one. The angle is steeper than it looks from behind, so a rhythm that feels moderate to the penetrating partner can feel like a lot to the person receiving it.

You'll know the shape is right when the weight sits on the forearms and shoulders instead of the neck, and the hips feel lifted without the lower back straining to hold them there. If either of those is off, a little more padding underneath or a slightly lower hip position make the position feel more comfortable.

You can make any of these adjustments at any point. Raising or lowering the pillow changes how steep the angle is, opening the thighs an inch or two takes some of the snugness out of it, and coming out of the position for a moment to stretch your neck costs you nothing but a few seconds. If something doesn't feel quite right, say so and adjust the position together until you're both comfortable.

The position differs from standard doggy style in two main ways. Raising the hips changes the angle of contact, and closing the legs narrows the opening. Together they explain why people who enjoy standard doggy style often describe this variation as deeper and snugger, even though neither partner is doing anything different with their body weight.

The closed legs do most of the work on sensation. With the thighs pressed together there's simply less space, and many people notice that as a tighter fit for both partners. The raised hips do the rest, changing where contact lands along the front wall of the vagina. Some people are more sensitive in that area than others, and that's perfectly normal.

The other common variation is about who leads. Because one partner's shoulders are down and the other is upright behind them, some couples use this position to play with one person taking the lead. That works when you've agreed on it in advance, decided together how much pressure is welcome on the shoulders or head, and both know that either of you can end it instantly by saying so.

If the deep angle is more than you want, lazy doggy keeps the same entry with the body flat and the knees non-weight bearing, and hissing cobra shifts the arch without stacking weight on the shoulders.

Consent is ongoing throughout the experience. Either partner can pause, slow down, change the position, or stop at any point, and agreeing to try this position doesn't mean agreeing to anything else. Because the receiving partner may not be able to see everything happening behind them, it can help to agree on a simple word or signal to pause or stop before you begin.

Comfort mostly comes down to support, positioning, and pace. A cushion or folded pillow under the hips can take some pressure off the knees and make the position easier to hold, while changing positions or taking a break can help if you start to feel stiff or tired.

Take penetration slowly and adjust the angle or depth based on what feels comfortable. Cleveland Clinic recommends choosing sexual positions and activities that don't cause pain and using lubricant when dryness is contributing to discomfort. Water-based or silicone-based lubricant can both be options, depending on your preferences and any toys or condoms you're using.

You don't need to push through discomfort to make the position work. If something doesn't feel right, slow down, adjust, or stop. If pain during sex is new, persistent, or keeps happening, it's worth talking with a healthcare provider to find out what's causing it.

Does this work for anal? The raised hips create a similar angle, but the preparation is a little different. The anus doesn't produce any lubrication of its own, which is why NHS sexual health guidance on anal sex advises using plenty of lubricant to reduce the risk of tearing delicate tissue. Use more than you think you need, reapply often, and choose a product made for the job from the anal lubricants at Adam & Eve. Go slower than you would vaginally, and let the receiving partner control the pace entirely.

How deep is too deep? There’s no universal answer as the receiving partner should decide what feels comfortable. Start shallow and adjust gradually, rather than assuming deeper will feel better. If you want less depth, lower the hips slightly or open the thighs a little.

What if one of us has back or knee trouble? If you have back or knee pain, this position may not be the most comfortable choice. Try adding extra support with cushions or choose a position that puts less pressure on those areas. Consider bent over instead, which keeps a similar angle with the feet on the floor and the upper body supported by furniture.

How long can you stay in it? There’s no set time limit. If your knees, hips, or shoulders start to feel tired or cramped, switch positions or take a break.

A few simple additions can make the position easier to hold and more comfortable for both partners.

Lubricant is the first place to start. The position can create more friction depending on the angle and movement, so use enough lubricant and add more whenever you need it. Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are both common options; choose one that's compatible with any condoms or toys you're using. Adam & Eve Lubricant is one water-based option.

Support under the hips can make a noticeable difference, especially if you plan to stay in the position for more than a few minutes. A firm pillow or folded cushion can provide extra support, while a wedge can offer a more stable surface and help maintain the angle.

If you want dedicated support, position aids at Adam & Eve are another option. They're designed to provide a stable surface under the body, which can make it easier to find and maintain a comfortable position. The goal isn't to hold the position perfectly. Use whatever support helps you relax, and adjust or change positions whenever you need to.

Finally, think about toys. Because this position leaves hands relatively free, a curved vibrator held against the front wall can add sensation the angle alone doesn't reach. Try G-spot vibrators at Adam & Eve that are shaped for just that.