Chef
A kneading, caressing position that's all about touch.
About This Position
The receiving partner lies face down while the penetrating partner lies on top, using their hands to massage and caress the receiving partner's back, hips, and thighs. This position prioritizes touch and intimacy over deep penetration.
Best For
Clitoral Stimulation
Limited clitoral stimulation from the position itself, but hands can be used.
The penetrating partner can use their hand for clitoral stimulation.
G-Spot Stimulation
Minimal G-spot stimulation due to the shallow penetration.
Not designed for internal stimulation — focus is on massage and touch.
Anatomy & Physiology
Muscle Groups Involved
- Back
- Glutes
- Inner thighs
- Shoulders
Angle of Penetration
Very shallow, prone position
Targeted Pleasure Zones
Body Contact Points
Step-by-Step Guide
The receiving partner lies face down on a comfortable surface, arms relaxed at their sides or under the pillow. Warm massage oil in your hands first — cold oil on the back is a mood killer.
The penetrating partner kneels beside or over the receiving partner and begins with long, gliding strokes down the back, from shoulders to lower back, using the full palm for broad pressure. This warms the skin and builds anticipation.
Progress to deeper kneading on the glutes, inner thighs, and lower back — these muscle groups are involved in this position's shallow penetration. Working them first allows the receiving partner to relax into the angle rather than tensing.
The receiving partner parts their legs slightly, and the penetrating partner aligns their pelvis over the receiving partner's hips. Enter slowly from above — the prone position creates a very shallow angle, so depth is limited by anatomy (the pelvis blocks deep entry).
Continue massaging with one hand while the other hand is free — caress the neck, shoulders, or run fingers through hair. The shallow penetration means internal stimulation is minimal, so external touch is the primary pleasure source.
Use slow, rocking hip movements rather than thrusts — the prone angle doesn't allow for large thrusting motions, and the grinding motion provides more continuous contact and friction against external sensitive areas.
Switch roles by having the receiving partner turn over and become the massager — this position is symmetrical in its massage focus, and reversing roles keeps the experience mutual and exploratory.
Safety & Precautions
Warnings
- ! Very shallow penetration — this is about massage and intimacy.
- ! May not lead to orgasm easily for either partner.
Modifications
- * Use massage oil to enhance the experience.
- * Take turns being the chef — switch roles.
Safe during pregnancy — gentle, intimate, and focused on massage.
Medical References & Sources
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by certified health professionals. The following peer-reviewed and authoritative sources were used in developing this guide:
- • Mayo Clinic — Sexual Health
- • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Sexual Health
- • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- • Cleveland Clinic — Sexual Health
- • Healthline — Healthy Sex & Relationships
Health Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new positions, especially if you have back pain, joint issues, are pregnant, or have any medical condition. Stop immediately if you experience pain.
Pros
- + Incorporates sensual massage
- + Extremely intimate and relaxing
- + Full body contact and caressing
Cons
- - Very shallow penetration
- - May not lead to orgasm easily
- - Less intense than other positions
Tips
- * Use massage oil to enhance the experience
- * Take turns being the chef — switch roles
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right technique, small errors can reduce pleasure or increase injury risk. Here are the most common mistakes couples make with the Chef position:
Treating it as a penetration-focused position
The Chef is explicitly designed around massage and intimacy — penetration is shallow and secondary. Trying to thrust deeply fights the anatomy (the prone position physically blocks deep entry) and causes discomfort. Focus on the massage, not depth.
Skipping the warm-up massage
Going straight to penetration without the massage phase defeats the entire purpose. The massage builds anticipation, relaxes the muscles, and creates the intimate atmosphere that defines this position. The massage IS the position.
Applying too much body weight from above
The penetrating partner lying fully on top with all their weight crushes the receiving partner and makes breathing uncomfortable. Support weight on forearms and knees, keeping the torso elevated enough for the receiving partner to breathe freely and for the penetrating partner's hands to move freely for massage.
Neglecting to switch roles
If only one partner is always the massager and the other always receives, the position becomes one-sided. The reciprocal nature of massage — both giving and receiving — is what makes this position special. Switch roles to maintain mutual pleasure.
Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic Chef, these variations can add new sensations and keep things exciting:
Add a Pillow
Place a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to change the angle of penetration and enhance stimulation.
Incorporate Manual Stimulation
Use hands to add clitoral or other external stimulation during the position for enhanced pleasure.
Slow Down the Pace
Switch from thrusting to grinding for a more intimate, sensation-focused experience.
Try Different Surfaces
Move from the bed to a couch, standing, or against a wall for different angles and experiences.
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Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Certified Sex Therapist, PhD in Human Sexuality
Reviewed by Dr. James Chen
Board-Certified OB/GYN, 15+ Years Experience
Last reviewed: July 2026 | Content medically verified | Meet our full team
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