Table of Contents
Reading time: 6 minutes | Last Updated: September 09, 2025
Quick Facts
- What It Is: Your bodies create a sexy X formation with one partner lying normally while the other slides perpendicular across them for incredible new angles
- Also Known As: Cross position, perpendicular missionary, X position, crossover position
- Difficulty: Easy (geometry puzzle that clicks once you find your angle)
- Best For: Hitting unique penetration angles without requiring flexibility or strength
- Why It’s Amazing: Delivers mind-melting friction and depth that’ll make you wonder why you ever stuck to boring parallel positioning
- Common Challenge: Initial positioning feels awkward until you discover the sweet spot
- Perfect Pairing: Sex wedge pillow for hip alignment, silicone or water based lubricant for extended sessions
When Your Bed Becomes a Pleasure Coordinate System
Remember when your math teacher said geometry would be useful someday? Plot twist: they were talking about sex. The x marks the spot sex position turns your bed into a coordinate system where X literally marks the spot for pure pleasure.
This isn’t some acrobatic circus act requiring years of yoga training—we’re talking beautifully simple positioning that even your most mathematically challenged friends could master. One person lies normally while their partner slides perpendicular across them, creating an X formation that delivers angles your body has been craving without even knowing it. Think of it as missionary’s adventurous cousin who studied architecture and knows exactly how to hit spots regular positions miss entirely.
We’ve been exploring this geometric sex position with couples who thought they’d tried everything, and the reaction is always the same delighted surprise. That moment when the angle clicks into place and suddenly you’re experiencing friction and depth that feels like unlocking a secret level in your favorite game—except way better than any PlayStation achievement. It’s a total revelation.
What Makes This Cross Position So Damn Effective

The x position sexual technique works because it breaks every rule about how bodies “should” align during sex. Instead of traditional parallel positioning, your bodies create perpendicular lines that generate completely new points of contact and pressure. It’s like switching from Netflix’s basic plan to premium—suddenly everything’s sharper, deeper, and way more satisfying.
For the receiving partner: You’re lying comfortably on your back while experiencing penetration from an angle that hits your front vaginal wall or prostate in ways that’ll make you question why you spent so long sticking to conventional positioning. The perpendicular entry creates a natural curve that targets your G-spot or P-spot with laser precision—many people experience deeper, more intense orgasms from this targeted stimulation. We’ve watched couples discover this angle and literally gasp at the difference. The angle also provides consistent pressure against your most sensitive internal spots, creating the potential for those full-body climaxes that leave you breathless and amazed.
For the giving partner: You get serious leverage and control while discovering muscles you forgot you had. The sideways position lets you use your entire torso for movement, creating deeper, more deliberate thrusts that feel as good for you as they do for your partner. The unique angle provides intense stimulation along different nerve pathways, often leading to surprisingly powerful orgasms from the novel sensations.
The pleasure science: This crossover sex position creates friction along your front vaginal or rectal wall in patterns that parallel positions simply cannot achieve. Unlike the Criss Cross Position where legs cross for tighter sensation,

X Marks the Spot crosses your entire bodies for completely different angles. The result? Pure magic. Enhanced stimulation of nerve-dense areas that can trigger both clitoral and vaginal orgasms simultaneously, or intensely satisfying prostate climaxes that feel completely different from anything you’ve experienced.
Who needs this in their repertoire: Couples craving something different without requiring advanced flexibility, anyone whose usual angles have gotten predictable, and those who love the problem-solving aspect of finding that perfect sweet spot together. This position also works beautifully for partners with different body types or those seeking sustainable pleasure without turning sex into a CrossFit workout.
Keeping Things Safe While Getting Adventurous
We love adventurous spirits, but smart lovers always prioritize safety alongside pleasure. The perpendicular missionary position might look unconventional, but it’s actually gentler on your bodies than many traditional positions. When exploring new intimate experiences, communication and gradual progression remain your best tools for both safety and satisfaction.
Energy requirements: This position demands minimal stamina from both partners. The receiving partner stays comfortably supported while the giving partner uses leverage rather than pure strength. It’s perfect for longer sessions without the exhaustion factor of more athletic positions—think marathon, not sprint.
Joint considerations: The giving partner’s knees and hips work differently in this sideways position. Start slowly and pay attention to any strain. If your knees protest, try shifting your weight or using a pillow for support. For those with mobility limitations or joint issues, this position often works better than weight-bearing alternatives.
Body size accommodations: Plus-size partners often find this position seriously comfortable since there’s no belly-to-belly contact that might create breathing restrictions. The perpendicular alignment naturally creates space while maintaining intimate connection. Larger partners can adjust their positioning for optimal comfort without compromising pleasure.
Accessibility considerations: Partners with limited mobility can enjoy this position with minor modifications. Those using wheelchairs can transfer to the bed for the receiving role, while partners with back issues appreciate the lack of weight-bearing requirements. Pregnancy-friendly with proper pillow support during early and middle trimesters.
Communication is your safety net: This position requires more initial adjustment than your usual favorites. Check in with each other frequently during the first few attempts. “How does this angle feel?” and “Should I shift higher or lower?” aren’t mood killers—they’re the building blocks of great experiences.
Lubrication matters more: The unique angles create different friction patterns, so generous lubrication keeps everything smooth and pleasurable. Don’t skimp on this—your comfort and enjoyment depend on it.
Talking Your Way to Better Angles
The beauty of unique sex positions for couples lies in the discovery process, and that requires communication that’s as hot as it is helpful. We’re not talking about giving medical directions—you’re guiding each other toward pleasure like sexy GPS navigation.
Before you begin: “I want to try something that’ll let us explore completely new angles together” sets the stage for experimentation without pressure. Frame it as an adventure you’re taking together rather than a technique you need to master.
During positioning: Use descriptive language that keeps the heat going. “Slide toward my hip,” “that angle feels perfect,” or “let me shift so you can go deeper” guide without breaking the connection. Think less instruction manual, more seductive choreography. Channel your inner Marvin Gaye and let’s get it on with some smooth communication.
Finding your groove: Once you discover what works, celebrate it together. “Right there, that’s perfect” or “don’t change anything” lets your partner know they’ve found your sweet spot. We’ve guided countless couples through this positioning, and watching that moment of perfect alignment click into place never gets old—pure revelation written across both faces. Sex educators consistently emphasize that communication during position exploration enhances both safety and satisfaction—turning potential awkwardness into intimate discovery.
Your First X Marks the Spot Adventure
Start with the foundation: Begin in classic missionary position to establish connection and arousal. This familiar positioning helps you both relax before transitioning to something new.

Make the shift: The giving partner slides to lie perpendicular across their partner’s body. Don’t worry about perfect alignment immediately—you’ll fine-tune the positioning together like adjusting a radio antenna until the signal comes in crystal clear.
Height difference solutions: If there’s a significant height difference, the shorter partner (whether giving or receiving) can use pillows to bridge the gap. Taller giving partners might need to scoot down the bed, while shorter ones might position themselves higher on their partner’s torso. The beauty of this position is its adaptability to different body proportions.
Body type accommodations: Plus-size partners can adjust the perpendicular angle to find their most comfortable alignment. Partners with larger bellies might find a slightly diagonal approach works better than a perfect 90-degree angle. Smaller partners can use pillows to create better alignment with larger partners.
Find your X formation: Adjust until penetration feels natural and comfortable. This might take a few attempts, and that’s completely normal. The puzzle-solving aspect becomes part of the seduction when you approach it with curiosity rather than pressure.
Accessibility modifications: Partners with limited hip mobility can use wedge pillows for support. Those with back issues can add lumbar support pillows. The receiving partner can keep legs in whatever position feels most comfortable—straight, bent, or supported by pillows.
Start with gentle movements: Once positioned, begin with slow, deliberate movements to understand how this angle affects sensation for both of you. The perpendicular positioning creates leverage that amplifies every movement.
Communicate constantly: This is when ongoing dialogue becomes essential. Guide each other toward what feels best, adjusting angles and pressure until you find your perfect configuration.
Setting the Stage for Geometric Pleasure
Bed considerations: You’ll need enough width for perpendicular positioning. A queen or king-size bed works perfectly, though we’ve seen creative couples make this work on smaller surfaces with strategic body positioning.
Pillow strategy: A wedge pillow under the receiving partner’s hips changes everything about this position. It creates the perfect angle for deeper penetration while supporting comfortable positioning. Regular pillows work too, but wedges are designed for exactly this kind of angle optimization—like having the right tool for the job.
Lubrication selection: Silicone-based lubricants last longer and provide consistent glide for extended sessions. Water-based works beautifully too and cleans up easier. Either way, use more than you think you need—the unique angles create different friction patterns that demand generous application.
Room setup: Clear the decks – you’ll want unobstructed access to all that geometric goodness. Clear space around your bed so the giving partner can position themselves comfortably.
When Your X Needs Adjustment
Once you’ve got your geometric playground set up, you’re ready to fine-tune the experience.
The angle feels off: Small adjustments make huge differences. Try shifting the receiving partner’s hips higher or lower, or have the giving partner adjust their perpendicular positioning by a few inches.
Penetration is difficult: This usually means the angle needs tweaking. Use more lubrication and experiment with different heights until everything aligns naturally.
Someone’s getting uncomfortable: Switch positions temporarily, then return with better pillow support or adjust your body positioning. Comfort always comes first in sustainable pleasure.
The rhythm feels awkward: This position has its own movement patterns that differ from traditional positions. Focus on grinding and deliberate thrusts rather than fast pumping motions.
Position variations to try: Once you’ve mastered the basic X formation, experiment with the Partial X where the giving partner maintains some parallel alignment while angling perpendicular from the hips down.

And for more unconventional angles try the T Bone Position, that creates a perpendicular T formation for completely different sensations
We’ve found that couples who try to rush the positioning phase miss out on half the fun. Take your time finding what works—the discovery process can be arousing when you embrace it as exploration rather than obstacle.
The Science Behind the Sensation
Anatomical advantages: The perpendicular angle creates pressure points that parallel positioning simply cannot reach. For those with vaginas, it targets the anterior wall from a completely different approach, while for those with prostates, the sideways entry creates unique pressure patterns. Understanding how different erogenous zones respond to varied angles of stimulation explains why this geometric positioning unlocks completely new sensations.
Friction dynamics: The geometric positioning creates friction along different nerve pathways than traditional parallel positions. This explains why the sensation feels so distinctly different—you’re literally stimulating different areas.
Leverage benefits: The giving partner can use their entire torso for movement, creating deeper and more controlled penetration than positions requiring arm or leg strength.
Exploring Your Geometric Options
Ready to explore more ways to revolutionize your missionary game? Our complete missionary positions collection will show you angles you never imagined.
Love the X formation concept? The X Rated Position takes that geometric magic to the cowgirl realm for a completely different but equally thrilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions
How is X Marks the Spot different from regular missionary? The perpendicular body positioning creates completely different penetration angles and friction points. Instead of parallel alignment, your bodies form an actual X shape, targeting nerve endings and pressure points that traditional missionary simply cannot reach. It’s like discovering a new pleasure zone you didn’t know existed.
Is this position comfortable for extended sessions? Yes, once you find your sweet spot. The receiving partner stays in a relaxed position while the giving partner can use their torso for leverage rather than supporting their weight on arms. With proper pillow support, many couples find this more sustainable than traditional positions.
What if we can’t get the angle right initially? This is completely normal and part of the fun. Start with generous lubrication, use pillows to adjust hip height, and communicate constantly about what feels good. The “aha” moment when everything clicks into place is worth the brief adjustment period. Think of it as foreplay with a purpose.
Can this work for same-sex couples? This geometric positioning works beautifully for any combination of partners using natural anatomy or toys. The perpendicular alignment creates unique angles regardless of the specific equipment involved, making it an excellent option for couples wanting to explore different sensations together.
Do we need special equipment or setup? A bed wide enough for perpendicular positioning is essential, though creative couples adapt this to other surfaces. A wedge pillow transforms the experience but isn’t required. Quality lubrication becomes more important due to the unique friction patterns, but no specialized equipment is necessary.