Ecstasy: woman on top, criss-cross and leaning back on her hands
Ecstasy is a woman-on-top position in a criss-cross arrangement. The penetrating partner lies on his back, and the receiving partner sits on his pelvis turned diagonally across his body, leaning back on her hands with her legs together and bent to one side. She sets the pace with her hips, while he has a hand free to stimulate her clitoris. There is no eye contact or kissing: the focus is on movement and touch.
Also known as: Criss Cross · Criss-cross cowgirl
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner lies flat on his back with his legs stretched out. The receiving partner sits on his pelvis, but turned at an angle across his body rather than facing him or facing away. She leans her torso back and supports it on straight arms, hands on the mattress behind her, and often tilts her head back. Her legs stay together, knees bent, resting diagonally across one of his thighs to the side. She controls the rhythm by rocking or lifting her hips. Penetration can be deep. Her wrists carry the weight of her torso, and her weight rests on his pelvis. Because the penis enters at a sideways angle, wide or abrupt movements can bend it. He can reach her lower belly and clitoris with one hand. The position can be used for vaginal or anal penetration.
Why this position works
Some couples like it because the receiving partner is in charge: she chooses the depth, the angle and the speed. The sideways angle feels different from a classic cowgirl, and with her legs together the sensation can feel tighter. The partner lying down can relax and has a hand free for her clitoris. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: leaning back on the forearms
The receiving partner leans further back and rests on her forearms instead of her hands.
Lowering onto the forearms takes the load off the wrists and tilts her pelvis further back, which changes the angle of penetration. Her range of movement becomes smaller, so the rhythm turns into short rocking movements.
- Start from the base position, sitting diagonally on your partner's pelvis.
- Lower your torso slowly until your forearms rest on the bed behind you.
- Keep your legs together and bent to the side.
- Rock your hips in short movements to find the new angle.
Variation 2: sitting upright, hands on his thigh
The receiving partner sits up straighter and rests her hands on her partner's thigh or chest instead of the bed.
With her torso upright, her wrists carry less weight and she can move her hips up and down more freely. Penetration is usually a little less deep, and she can see her partner's face more easily.
- From the base position, the receiving partner brings her torso forward until she is sitting upright.
- She rests her hands on her partner's thigh or chest.
- She keeps her legs together to the side and moves her hips up and down.
- Keep the movements controlled so the penis does not slip out at an angle.
Variation 3: legs straight to the side
The receiving partner stretches her legs out together to the side instead of keeping her knees bent.
Straight, closed legs press her thighs together, which can make the sensation feel tighter. She has less push from her legs, so she moves more with her hips and relies more on her hands for support.
- Start from the base position.
- The receiving partner slowly straightens her legs, keeping them together, diagonally to the side.
- She keeps leaning back on her hands and rocks her hips gently.
- Bend the knees again if the hips or lower back feel strained.
Variation 4: pillow under the lower partner's hips
The partner lying down places a firm pillow under his hips before the receiving partner sits on him.
Raising his pelvis brings it closer to her, so she does not have to lean back as far and her wrists carry less weight. The angle of the penis becomes more stable, which helps keep movements controlled.
- The partner lying down places a firm pillow under his hips.
- The receiving partner sits on his pelvis, turned diagonally across his body.
- She leans back on her hands with her legs together and bent to the side.
- Start with slow movements to check the new angle.
✓ Tips
- Move slowly at first: the penis enters at a sideways angle and a sudden or wide movement can bend it.
- If your wrists tire, lean on your forearms or sit more upright for a while.
- The partner lying down can use one hand on the clitoris, which is easy to reach in this position.
- Use a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and lubricant if there is dryness.
- For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, and go slowly.
- Common mistake: dropping the hips hard onto the partner below; keep the movement controlled and stop if there is pain.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration, receiving partner on top at an angle
- Active anatomy
- Penis; hand on the clitoris
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus; clitoris
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal or anal penetration with the receiving partner on top at an angle; clitoris within reach of
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
It is better once you are comfortable with woman-on-top positions: it asks for some wrist strength and balance from the partner on top.
Who controls the rhythm?
The receiving partner, by rocking or lifting her hips. The partner below can guide her gently with one hand.
Is there a risk for the penis?
Yes, a small one: it enters at a sideways angle, so avoid wide or abrupt movements and stop at once if anything hurts.
What if my wrists hurt?
Lean on your forearms, sit more upright with your hands on his thigh, or change position.
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed to describe a deeper area of the anterior vaginal wall. Available evidence is limited and does not support presenting it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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