Is Shallow Sex Greater Than Deep Dicking?

Why Shallowing Might Be the Sex Trick Your Orgasm’s Been Waiting For

Dear reader, isn’t our cultural obsession with going "deep" during sex getting a little… exhausting? You could think that great penetration requires Olympic-level hip thrusting and an anatomical swordfight. Every porn scene pounds this message in, literally. But what if I told you that less depth might actually hit more, well, nerve endings? That's where the unexpectedly hot trend of shallowing during penetration comes in. It’s sex that doesn't go far but goes hard in a completely different way.

What Is "Shallowing"? (And Why Does It Work So Well?)

Shallowing is exactly what it sounds like: intentionally limiting the depth of penetration, keeping movement near the entrance of the vagina or anus. Think short, teasing strokes instead of full-on plunging. It's slow sex’s sly little cousin, and it's all about sensation over speed.

Here's the anatomical cheat code... The outer third of the vaginal canal is home to the densest concentration of nerve endings. The same is true for the anal opening, which is rich in sensation. Shallowing deliberately works that sensitive zone rather than bypassing it for the “let’s see how far this can go” approach.

It's like edging, but with thrusting: tiny movements that yield enormous payoffs.

Also: deeper isn’t always better. For many vulva-owners, deep penetration can range from “meh” to “OW,” depending on position, emotional state, cycle timing, or conditions like endometriosis, pelvic floor tension, or just a small cervix having a bad day.

Shallowing offers an entirely new palette of pleasure; one that’s less work and potentially way more connection.

How to Shallow Like a Pro

So how do you shallow sex your way to glory without just… staying still?

Let’s break it down into easy, wildly effective steps:

#1 Start with intention

This isn’t lazy sex. Shallowing works best when you're fully present, playful, and intentionally teasing rather than going through the motions. Eye contact doesn't hurt. Neither does a nasty whisper like, “I’m not going any deeper… yet.”

#2 Position accordingly

Some positions make shallow penetration easier and hotter:

• Face-to-face missionary (hips close, pelvises pressed together)
• Spooning (slow, gliding strokes with maximum body contact)
• Cowgirl/cowperson with shallow grind instead of bounce
• On-the-edge positions (partner sitting on a chair or bed edge)

Pro tip: If you're worried about "accidentally going deep," use a pillow or folded towel behind the receiver's hips to tilt the pelvis into a more shallow angle.

#3 Control the tempo

Keep movements light, short, and intentional. You’re stimulating nerve endings, not imitating a jackhammer. Pause often. Grind instead of thrust. Circle your hips. Make each movement feel even more teasing than the last.

Use your body weight, breath, and sexy tension to build up rather than blow past sensation.

#4 Layer in hands and mouth

Just because you’re keeping penetration shallow doesn’t mean everything else should be quiet. This is the perfect time to lavish attention on other erogenous zones:

• Rub the clit, stroke a cock, or tease nipples.
• Whisper filthy things or moan just barely in their ear.
• Use both hands on the pelvis to grind your body closer.

This is where shallow becomes super intimate, as much about connection as it is about getting off.

#5 Combine with other techniques

You can combine shallowing with edging, breathwork, or orgasm denial for devastatingly erotic intensity. Or swap in toys, such as vibrating wands or shallow insertable dildos, which thrive in this category. Prostate massagers, too. The key? Don’t rush the payoff.

Heads up: if you're used to porn-speed pounding, shallowing might feel… weird at first. Maybe even vulnerable. Good. That means you’re doing something real.

Why Everyone’s Suddenly Talking About It

The buzz isn’t just anecdotal. The technique recently hit the mainstream radar after a Forbes piece raised eyebrows by validating shallowing during penetration as not only legit, but potentially revolutionary. That’s right, an article from Forbes just told you to slow your stroke game and aim higher (or, lower, technically).

There’s a growing cultural appetite for mindful sex, where sensation and slowness are re-valued. It's the anti-porn performance mindset. You aren't performing sex; you're feeling it.

Plus, for folks healing from trauma, exploring pain-free pleasure, or navigating bodies with changing needs, shallowing can be a lifeline back to sexual joy. It's also a literal gateway to introducing new things, like pegging, anal play, or your new crush who’s kind of shy but eager to learn.

Shallow sex isn’t “less.” It’s a whole sensory buffet. It asks you to slow down, pay attention, and dive deep into the shallows, where sensations explode, touch becomes electric, and every breath matters. So next time you slide in, don't be in such a hurry. Tease. Stroke the entrance like it’s the main act. Because, dear reader, it is. Shallowing during penetration may not look like much, but it feels like everything.

BECOME THE BEST LOVER YOU CAN BE