New to BDSM and embracing your submissive kink? Congratulations on taking the first step toward deeper self‑awareness and richer power‑exchange dynamics. In any BDSM relationship, clear communication and mutual understanding are just as important as the physical aspects of play. Learning to inhabit and hold specific submissive positions not only signals your willingness to serve, but also sharpens your ability to respond instantly and confidently to your dominant’s commands.
What Are BDSM Submissive Positions?
BDSM submissive positions are defined postures—standing, kneeling, sitting, or otherwise—that a submissive assumes to express obedience, respect, and surrender to their dominant partner. While some positions have origins in the “Gor” novels by John Norman, most have evolved within kink communities to serve practical, psychological, and aesthetic purposes. Whether called “the classic kneel,” “the presentation pose,” or by any other name, each position carries both a functional directive and a symbolic weight, reinforcing the roles and rituals you and your partner share.
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What Is Position Training and Why Does It Matter?
Position training involves teaching a submissive to move into, hold, and transition between specific postures on command. It is much more than rote exercise; it forges a shared vocabulary of movement that removes ambiguity from your interactions. Through repetition and gentle correction, you learn to anticipate orders and instinctively take the correct stance, which strengthens the power exchange and deepens trust. Over time, this practice refines your discipline, enhances the dramatic ritual of each scene, and embeds obedience into your very posture.
Why Use Submissive Positions for Slave Training?
In slave training, positions are both a tool and a test. They help maintain the submissive mindset by physically manifesting your commitment to service, reminding you with every muscle engaged who holds the authority. For the dominant, assigning positions becomes a quick and effective way to guide, discipline, or even reward the submissive without lengthy explanations. Some poses are designed for comfort and reverence, while others challenge endurance—each selected to fit the dynamic you’ve negotiated. By mastering these postures, you demonstrate respect, reinforce the power exchange, and cultivate the aesthetic—then amplify it even further with a well‑fitted Harness for full‑body control.
All Submissive Positions
These are some of the most commonly used names and forms you’ll encounter—but you and your partner can rename, adapt, or combine them however you like. Every posture exists to reinforce trust, strengthen your power exchange, and deepen both the physical and emotional connection you share. Below is a single, flat list of each position—complete with all common aliases, clear descriptions, and practical tips—ready for you to copy and make your own：
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Sit
Description: Sit with a straight back, head slightly bowed, feet flat on the floor; hands rest on thighs (palms down), in lap, or raised per Dom’s instruction. Remain perfectly still until released.
Tips: Engage your core to hold posture without hunching; keep shoulders relaxed; maintain a soft, downward gaze.
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Kneel / Basic Kneeling
Description: Kneel with knees together, back straight, hands on thighs (palms down) or behind back if directed.
Tips: Press hips back onto heels to protect knees; engage core; evenly distribute weight.
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Present / Display (kneeling)
Description: Kneel with thighs wide apart, back straight, hands resting on thighs or raised; head slightly bowed.
Tips: Spread weight evenly on both knees; keep shoulders open; bow chin gently.
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Expose / Collaring Position
Description: Kneel with thighs apart, back straight, head up; hands clasped behind head to expose torso and neck.
Tips: Square your shoulders and engage your core to support an upright, confident chest. As this position leaves the neck fully exposed, it's the perfect time to explore collaring options—check out our guide to Types of BDSM Collars to find a style that balances safety with symbolism.
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Crouching Expose
Description: Squat with legs spread, genitals exposed; hands clasped behind head; back upright.
Tips: Flex quads and glutes to maintain squat; keep chest lifted; breathe steadily.
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Hands Out
Description: Kneel or squat with arms extended straight out at 90° from shoulders, palms down or up per instruction.
Tips: Keep wrists neutral; engage shoulders; shift weight occasionally if allowed.If you plan to add restraints, be sure to review in Types of Bondage Cuffs before you lock the pose in place.
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Kneeling Backwards
Description: From kneel, arch your back, lean backward onto straight arms behind you, head tipped back.
Tips: Engage core and glutes to protect lower back; press evenly through hands.
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Submit / Humble (Child’s Pose)
Description: From kneel, lean forward until forehead rests on ground; arms extended forward or folded under face.
Tips: Breathe deeply to sink in; keep hips on heels; relax neck and shoulders.
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Surrender
Description: As in Submit/Humble, but arms outstretched with palms up to signify full openness.
Tips: Soften fingers; maintain gentle tension in arms to avoid collapse.
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Table / Doggy‑Style Table / She‑sleen
Description: On hands and knees, back slightly arched, head up—like a tabletop.
Tips: Tuck toes or flex tops of feet to lift hips; distribute weight evenly through palms. Thinking of adding impact? See Spanking Paddles in BDSM—Impact, Intimacy, and Intention for technique and paddle selection.
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Stool / Obeisance
Description: Kneel and lean forward, balancing on straight forearms with palms down; back flat and level.
Tips: Engage core to keep a rigid “tabletop” back; press forearms firmly.
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Ready to Please
Description: Kneel with thighs apart, lean forward; wrists crossed palm‑down between knees; mouth open.
Tips: Relax jaw; keep hips square; optionally use a mouth harness for comfort.
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Floor (Prone)
Description: Lie face down with legs straight, arms bent beside head (palms down); chest/forehead slightly raised if directed.
Tips: Use a mat for comfort; engage neck gently only if instructed.
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Apology
Description: From Floor (Prone), stretch arms wide at shoulder height; forehead on the floor.
Tips: Soften hips; spread fingers to support forearms; breathe to relax.
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Present Floor / Display (Supine)
Description: Lie on back with arms and legs splayed open in a star shape.
Tips: Press lower back gently into floor; relax shoulders and neck.
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Wait (Kajira)
Description: Stand with feet shoulder‑width apart, spine straight; hands clasped behind back (one palm in the other).
Tips: Distribute weight evenly on both feet; relax shoulders; keep chest open.
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Attention
Description: Stand with heels and toes together; arms straight at sides, fingers brushing hips; head held high.
Tips: Pull shoulders back slightly; keep thighs engaged to maintain straight legs.
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Wall (Arrest Position)
Description: Face a wall, feet slightly apart; hands or crossed wrists pressed flat at shoulder height.
Tips: Flex abs to avoid collapsing; keep hips square; don’t lean fully into the wall.
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At Your Service
Description: Stand facing forward, legs slightly apart; hands crossed over genitals, one palm atop the other.
Tips: Align hips under shoulders; maintain a respectful downward gaze.
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Nadu (Gorean Slave Position, palms up) / Tower Kneel (palms down)
Description: Kneel on heels with thighs apart, back straight; Nadu: palms up on thighs; Tower Kneel: palms down.
Tips: Alternate palms‑up/down if endurance training; keep weight centered.
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Collar Me
Description: Nadu‑style kneel with thighs apart; lift hair to expose neck fully for collar placement.
Tips: Gently extend neck; keep shoulders down; hold still until collar is secured.
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Modest Kneel
Description: Kneel with thighs apart, back straight; hands placed between legs to cover genitals.
Tips: Keep elbows soft; maintain an upright chest; shift weight subtly if allowed.
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Inspection / Inspection Pose
Description: Stand with legs apart; hands either behind head (elbows wide) or behind back (hands clasped), body “offered” for inspection.
Tips: In “behind head,” open chest; in “behind back,” keep wrists relaxed.
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Hands Clasped Behind Head (any context)
Description: From sitting, kneeling, standing, or supine, raise hands to clasp behind head, exposing torso.
Tips: Keep elbows gently wide; engage core to protect lower back.
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Box Arms / Box Position
Description: Arms bent behind back, elbows bent, wrists parallel, hands clasped.
Tips: Press elbows together gently; relax shoulders downward.
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Strappado Position
Description: Arms straight behind back, palms facing in, as if cuffed at wrists and elbows.
Tips: Warm up shoulders first; keep spine neutral; communicate discomfort immediately.
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Prayer (Hands Front) / Reverse Prayer (Hands Behind Back)
Description: Prayer: hands together in front of chest, elbows bent; Reverse Prayer: same hand posture behind back.
Tips: Lift elbows to deepen the stretch; engage core to protect your lower back.
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Sex Doll / Capture Position
Description: Lie on back, knees bent and spread, feet flat on floor; arms at sides, palms down; head tilted up.
Tips: Press lower back into the floor; keep legs turned slightly outward for comfort.
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Fetal Position
Description: Curl on side or stomach, knees drawn toward chest; arms wrapped around legs or resting alongside.
Tips: Use for comfort or recovery; keep body compact and still.
Stay Safe
Ensure Unrestricted Breathing: In face‑down or tightly folded positions, make sure the chest is free and airflow isn’t compromised.
Keep Communication Open: Continuously check in—verbally or with agreed signals—and honor your submissive’s safeword or gesture at any sign of distress.
Progress Gradually: Introduce more demanding poses step by step, allowing muscles and joints to adapt and reducing the risk of cramps.
Monitor Circulation: Periodically pause to ensure no tingling, numbness, or color change in hands, feet, or limbs.
Honor Physical Boundaries: Be aware of each other’s flexibility and health considerations—adjust or skip any posture that feels unsafe. For adjustable support that grows with your practice, check out our Full Sets which bundle collars, cuffs, and harnesses in coordinated designs.
Cushion Pressure Points: Place soft padding under knees, wrists, or elbows to protect joints during extended holds.
Emotional Reassurance: Follow intense vulnerability with comforting words, nurturing touch, or simply holding each other—whatever your sub finds soothing.
