Man sitting in a criss-cross position on the bed, teasing and pleasuring his moaning partner.

Table of Contents

Reading time: 7 minutes | Last Updated: May 1, 2025

Quick facts

  • What It Is: Missionary with a mind-blowing twist – legs crossed and perched on your partner’s shoulders like X marks the spot
  • Also Known As: X Position, Scissors Missionary, Crossed-Leg Missionary, Twisted Missionary
  • Difficulty: Your hamstrings might burn, but the orgasms are worth the stretch
  • Best For: Making you feel incredibly tight while your partner hits depths that’ll have you speaking in tongues
  • Why It’s Amazing: Your partner will feel like they’ve grown two extra inches while you’re making eye contact that’s almost as intense as the penetration
  • Common Challenge: Finding the leg sweet spot before your calves start cramping
  • Perfect Pairing: A bullet vibe on your clit while they’re hitting spots you didn’t know existed – the kind of combo that ruins regular sex forever

What Is the Criss Cross Sex Position?

A stunning blonde lies on the bed with her hips at the edge, while a muscular, tanned man stands in front of her, holding her securely as they practice the standing criss cross position

The criss cross position is what happens when boring missionary wakes up and chooses to be extraordinary. Instead of just lying there with your legs spread eagle, you lift those babies up, cross them at the ankles or calves, and rest them against your partner’s chest or shoulders. It’s the X position that hits the right spot like a sexual bullseye.

The magic happens when you cross those legs – suddenly you feel incredibly tight (for both of you), your partner can reach depths that’ll have you seeing stars, and the angle hits your G-spot like it paid extra for the GPS coordinates. All while you still get to watch their face contort with that “I might actually die from how good this feels” expression.

One simple leg adjustment transforms missionary from “is it in yet?” to “oh my god, I think you just touched my lungs.” The first time I tried this position, what started as a lazy night turned into me clawing the sheets and making noises that probably concerned the neighbors. Who knew crossing your legs could feel so intensely pleasurable?

Why You Need This Position in Your Sex Life Right Now

If you’ve been doing vanilla missionary positions since forever, the criss cross missionary position is about to rock your world:

1. It’s Deep. Like, Cervix-Bumping Deep

Crossing your legs tilts your pelvis in a way that lets your partner reach deeper than you thought anatomically possible. That spot you didn’t know existed? Yeah, they’re gonna find it. The first time my partner hit that depth in this position, I practically saw stars. If you love deep penetration but want to maintain eye contact, this hits similar depths as the butterfly missionary variation but with a more accessible entry angle and less hamstring strain.

A passionate couple enjoying the butterfly sex position, with the woman lying on her back at the edge of the bed while her partner holds her legs and thrusts deeply.

2. You Feel Ridiculously Tight

Crossing your legs squeezes everything down there, creating a vice-grip sensation that’ll have both of you making noises the neighbors will definitely hear. Your partner will feel every ripple, and you’ll feel every inch of them. It’s like your body got an upgrade without any effort. According to a study published in PLOS ONE, techniques that enhance vaginal friction and compression—like adjusting pelvic angles—can significantly increase pleasure intensity for both partners by stimulating more nerve endings simultaneously. The tightness this creates is so delicious it borders on sensory overload—for both of you.

3. Eye Contact That’ll Make You Weak

Unlike doggy where you’re face-down in a pillow, you get to watch each other lose control. There’s something primal about locking eyes while they’re hitting spots that make your toes curl. This intimate connection gives you that face-to-face intimacy while still reaching the deeper spots. Trust me, seeing their expression when they’re inside you in this position is almost as hot as the physical sensation.

4. Perfect for Different Body Types

Thick thighs? Belly you’re not feeling confident about? Height difference that makes some positions awkward? The scissor missionary position doesn’t give a damn. Since your partner is standing or kneeling at the edge of the bed, there’s no crushing or awkward alignment issues.

5. Your Hands Are Free to Get Busy

While your partner is thrusting, your hands can wander wherever they please – play with your clit, caress your breasts, pull their hair, or reach for that vibrator. I’ve had some of my most intense orgasms combining clit stimulation with the deep penetration this position delivers. 

How to Excel in the Criss Cross Position (Without Pulling a Muscle)

Ready to twist up your sex life with the cross legged missionary position? Here’s the no-nonsense guide:

If You’re Getting Penetrated:

  1. Lie on your back with your hips at the edge of whatever surface you’re enjoying tonight
  2. Let them slide inside while your legs are still down (think regular missionary to start)
  3. Lift those legs up and cross one over the other – tighter isn’t always better, find your sweet spot
  4. Rest your crossed legs against their chest or shoulders – instant power position
  5. Your hands are free, so put on a show – touch yourself, pinch your nipples, or grab their ass to control the rhythm
  6. Tilt your pelvis to direct their pleasure right to your G-spot like it’s a heat-seeking missile

Visual Tip: Focus on your partner’s face as they enter you with your legs crossed—watching their eyes widen and mouth fall open as they feel that extra tightness is almost as arousing as the physical sensation itself.

If You’re Doing the Penetrating:

  1. Position yourself between their legs at the edge of the bed – standing gives you more control
  2. Guide yourself in while their legs are still in normal position
  3. Help lift and cross their legs, placing them against your chest – bonus points for a sexy leg caress
  4. Grip those crossed ankles like handlebars to paradise – trust me, they’ll love it
  5. Experiment until you find the angle that makes their eyes roll back and toes curl
  6. Start with slow, deep strokes that let you feel every inch of that tightened entrance – the moans will tell you when to speed up

Sensation Guide: Listen for those tell-tale changes in your partner’s breathing when you hit the right spot—it’ll transform from regular moans into those deep, primal sounds that tell you you’ve unlocked their pleasure center. Those involuntary sounds are your roadmap to giving them an orgasm they’ll be thinking about for days.

Pro Tips That’ll Have You Both Making Delicious Noises:

  • Switch dominance: Whoever’s penetrating, pull those crossed legs toward you for deeper penetration, then push them back toward their chest for a different sensation – the contrast will drive them wild
  • Pillow strategy: A pillow under the receiver’s hips isn’t just comfortable, it’s the difference between a good orgasm and one that makes the neighbors know your name
  • Mix the rhythm: Alternate between slow, deep thrusts and quick, shallow ones – the change in pressure and depth is like sexual electricity
  • Add sound effects: The position itself is hot, but telling them exactly how tight they feel or how deep you’re hitting will amplify everything – the more descriptive, the better

When Things Get Awkward (And How to Fix It)

Problem: Your Hamstrings Are Screaming Fix It: Not everyone is a yoga instructor. If your legs are burning, cross at the ankles instead of the calves, or have your partner hold your legs to take the pressure off. Or just switch positions before your muscles seize up – nobody wants a sex-induced charley horse.

Problem: The Height Alignment Is Off Fix It: If you’re on a too-soft bed, move to the floor with a cushion under your back. If your partner is too tall or short, adjust with pillows under your hips or have them widen or narrow their stance. I once dated someone a foot taller than me, and we made this work with some creative furniture arrangements. According to Southern Pelvic Health, using pillows to support your legs or back can significantly improve comfort and reduce strain during intimate activities. The right props make all the difference between “this isn’t working” and “oh my god, right there!

Problem: You Keep Slipping Out Fix It: Someone’s getting too enthusiastic. Slow it down, get a better grip on those legs, and sometimes a bit more lube is actually counterproductive here – a little friction helps keep everything locked in place.

Problem: The Leg Crossing Feels Weird Fix It: Play with the tightness of the cross and exactly where your legs cross. Sometimes crossing at the ankles feels better than the calves, or vice versa. It took me a few tries to find my perfect crossing point, but goodness was it worth the experimentation.

Variations That’ll Keep You Coming Back for More

The Half Cross Only cross one leg over your body while the other stays straight. It creates this twisted, asymmetrical pressure that hits your G-spot from an angle that’ll have you seeing stars. Plus, it’s easier to maintain if you’re not particularly flexible.

The Elevated Cross Place a pillow under your hips to tilt your pelvis even more. This variation is like hitting the “enhance” button on G-spot stimulation. The first time my partner tried this variation, I came so hard I nearly pulled a muscle.

The Counter Cross For those with sturdy furniture: try this with the receiving partner’s upper body on a counter or table and the penetrating partner standing. The height difference lets them thrust at a downward angle that hits spots you didn’t even know you had.

The Ankle Twist Just cross at the ankles for a more subtle tightening effect. It’s perfect when you want that extra sensation but don’t want the full-on intensity of the complete cross. Think of it as the gateway drug to the full position.

When You Want to Try Something Similar

Loved the Criss Cross but want to explore related sensations? Here are some BSP-approved alternatives that offer similar benefits with their own unique twists:

For Deep Penetration Lovers

Butterfly Missionary Position

A muscular brunette man making love to his girlfriend in the kneeling butterfly pose on a pillow. She wears stockings, adding to the intimate atmosphere.

If you loved the edge-of-bed aspect of Criss Cross, Butterfly takes it to the next level. Your legs go up and apart (not crossed) while your partner stands. It offers similar depth but with more exposure and a slightly different angle that some find even more G-spot friendly.

Deep Impact Position

Athletic young man lovemaking his girl on the bed in kneeling butterfly pose.

Take the depth of Criss Cross but amplify it even further. With your legs pushed back toward your shoulders (but not crossed), you’ll experience cervix-caressing depth that might make you see stars. The angle is slightly different but the intensity is off the charts.

Launch Pad Position

A red-haired woman in the bedroom with her boyfriend, practicing the Launch Pad Position. She lies on her back with her legs lifted, while he positions himself on top, staying closely connected.

Similar to Deep Impact, but with your hips elevated on a pillow for an even more precise angle. The thrust trajectory hits that perfect spot while allowing for deeper penetration than standard missionary. When Criss Cross feels great but you want to try something with less leg strain, this is your next move.

Who This Position Is Perfect For

The missionary leg position variation will rock your world if:

  • You’re bored with regular missionary but not ready for cirque du soleil sex moves
  • You crave deep penetration that hits your G-spot but still want to see your partner’s face
  • You have any kind of body insecurity – this position is universally flattering
  • You’re dealing with height or weight differences that make some positions tricky
  • You want to feel that “OMG yes” tightness without doing kegels for months

The BSP Bottom Line

The criss cross sex position might look like just a simple leg twist, but don’t be fooled – this minor adjustment transforms standard missionary into a depth-defying, G-spot targeting, tightness-enhancing position that’ll have you both making noises you didn’t know were possible.

I’ve had partners specifically request this position after experiencing it once – that’s how good it is. The combo of tight penetration, perfect eye contact, and hands free for extra fun makes this an absolute must-add to your sexual menu.

Next time you’re about to do regular missionary, whisper “I want to try something” and get those legs crossed. Your sex life will never be the same, and your neighbors might need to invest in some earplugs.

BSP certified: We don’t just write about these positions – we’ve researched them thoroughly, tested them extensively (you’re welcome), and curated this guide based on real feedback. This isn’t theoretical sex advice – it’s battle-tested pleasure knowledge from people who actually enjoy sex a lot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criss Cross

Will this position actually hit my G-spot? Oh hell yes. The angle created by crossing your legs naturally guides your partner right against your front vaginal wall where your G-spot lives. It’s like they suddenly developed a homing beacon for your pleasure center. The pressure and friction in this position have triggered G-spot orgasms so intense they’ve literally left me speechless.

Can we do anal in the criss cross position? Absolutely. The position actually works amazingly for anal – the leg crossing creates a natural tilting of the pelvis that can make entry more comfortable, and the angle is perfect for prostate stimulation. Just remember: extra lube, always.

Does this work if we have different body sizes? This position is like the great equalizer – it works for virtually all body combinations. The standing/kneeling partner can adjust their height, the leg crossing adds flexibility to the setup, and there’s no body weight crushing anyone. I’ve been with partners of all shapes and sizes, and this position has never failed.

My legs aren’t very flexible. Can I still do this? You don’t need to be a contortionist. Try crossing just at the ankles instead of wrapping your calves around each other. Or try the half-cross where only one leg comes up. Even with limited flexibility, you can find a variation that works – the pleasure payoff is worth the effort.

Why is this better than regular missionary? Regular missionary is like plain vanilla ice cream – this is vanilla with hot fudge, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. The leg crossing creates tightness regular missionary can’t match, changes the angle to hit your G-spot better, and creates deeper penetration while still maintaining that intimate eye contact. It’s missionary that finally decided to live a little.

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