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Physical effort: Low Control

Interlaced Ride: riding position with interlaced legs and feet on the floor

The Interlaced Ride is a variation of riding positions for vaginal or anal sex. The penetrating partner lies on their back with one knee bent and the other leg stretched out. The receiving partner sits astride their pelvis, facing them, torso upright, knees raised and feet flat on the floor, with one leg crossing over the partner's bent leg, which gives the position its name. The receiving partner sets the pace, eye contact is easy and it takes little effort for the person underneath.

Also known as: Straddle · Astride

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Illustration of Interlaced Ride: The penetrating partner lies on their back with one knee bent; the receiving partner sits astride facing them, feet on the floor and one leg crossed over the pa
Anatomy and biomechanics

The penetrating partner lies on their back on a firm surface, bends one knee with the foot flat on the floor and keeps the other leg stretched out. The receiving partner sits astride their pelvis, facing their head, with the torso upright and both knees bent and raised, feet flat on the floor on either side. One of the receiving partner's legs crosses over the partner's bent leg, so the legs interlace. The receiving partner rests one hand on the partner's chest for balance, while the partner underneath can hold their shoulder or knee. Weight is shared between the receiving partner's feet and buttocks, and they control rhythm and depth by rising and lowering their hips or rocking back and forth. Penetration can be deep, so it is worth going down slowly.

Why this position works

Many people like it because the receiving partner chooses the pace, the depth and the angle, and can stop or change at any moment. Being face to face makes it easy to look at each other and talk, and the person underneath can relax and use their hands to caress. Some people find that the crossed leg and the raised knees create a pleasant feeling of closeness and pressure. Sensations vary from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Power Play Sensory Exploration Complete Rhythm Control Easy Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: on the knees instead of the feet

Same position, but the receiving partner rests on their knees instead of their feet, keeping one leg crossed over.

The person underneath stays on their back with one knee bent. The receiving partner lowers their knees to the bed on either side, keeping the crossed leg over the partner's bent leg as far as comfortable. Kneeling takes the load off the thighs, so the position can be held longer, and the movement becomes more of a forward-and-back rocking than an up-and-down one.

  1. Start in the basic position, with the receiving partner astride and feet on the floor.
  2. The receiving partner lowers one knee and then the other onto the bed.
  3. Keep the crossed leg over the partner's bent leg if it is comfortable.
  4. Rock the hips forward and back with the hands on the partner's chest.

Variation 2: leaning forward on the partner's chest

Same position, with the receiving partner leaning the torso forward and resting both hands on the partner's chest.

The legs stay interlaced and the feet on the floor. By leaning forward and putting both hands on the partner's chest, the receiving partner shifts some weight onto the arms and changes the angle of the pelvis; penetration usually becomes a little shallower and the faces come closer. In vaginal sex, this angle can also increase contact between the pubic area and the vulva.

  1. Start in the basic position, torso upright.
  2. The receiving partner leans forward and places both hands on the partner's chest.
  3. Keep the feet planted and the crossed leg in place.
  4. Move with short forward-and-back rocking movements.

Variation 3: leaning back on the hands

Same position, with the receiving partner leaning back and supporting themselves with the hands on the partner's thighs or the bed.

The feet stay on the floor and one leg crossed over. Leaning back moves the receiving partner's weight onto the hands behind and changes the angle of the pelvis, so the penis presses more toward the front wall. The person underneath sees the receiving partner's whole body and has their hands free. It asks a little more of the wrists and the abdominal muscles.

  1. Start in the basic position, torso upright.
  2. The receiving partner leans back slowly and places the hands on the partner's thighs or on the bed.
  3. Keep the feet planted and the crossed leg in place.
  4. Move gently with small hip movements, without dropping down hard.

Variation 4: with a cushion under the hips of the partner lying down

Same position, with a firm cushion under the hips of the person lying on their back.

Everything else stays the same. Raising the pelvis of the person underneath with a firm cushion brings it closer to the receiving partner, who does not need to squat as low; the thighs work less and the angle of entry becomes slightly steeper. It also makes it easier for the person underneath to accompany the movement.

  1. Place a firm cushion under the hips of the partner who will lie down.
  2. The receiving partner sits astride, feet on the floor and one leg crossed over the bent leg.
  3. Lower down slowly and check that the angle is comfortable.
  4. Move with short movements, letting the cushion take some of the effort.

✓ Tips
  • The receiving partner should lower themselves slowly, especially at first: penetration can be deep.
  • Avoid lifting too high and dropping down hard: if the penis slips out and is pressed at an angle, it can bend and be injured. Short, controlled movements are safer.
  • Keep the feet well planted and lean on the partner's chest for balance; if the thighs tire, rest on the knees for a while.
  • For anal sex, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start very slowly and stop if there is pain.
  • Use a condom to protect against STIs and, in vaginal sex, against pregnancy.
  • The person underneath can put a cushion under their head to keep eye contact without straining the neck.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration with the receiving partner on top, face to face
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vagina or anus (deep penetration controlled by the receiving partner)
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Is the Interlaced Ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is a low-effort position for the person lying down, and the receiving partner can adjust pace and depth. If the thighs tire, kneeling instead of resting on the feet makes it easier.

Can it be done with anal sex?

Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go down very slowly and let the receiving partner control the depth. Stop if there is any pain.

Who controls the rhythm?

Mainly the receiving partner, who is on top. The partner underneath can accompany the movement with small hip movements or by holding the receiving partner's hips.

Is there any risk for the penis?

Positions with the receiving partner on top carry a higher risk of penile injury if the penis slips out and is pressed down at an angle. Avoid large, uncontrolled movements and stop if there is a sharp pain.

Safety and evidence 1 topic · 2 clinical and academic references

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.

Sources
O'Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. The Journal of Urology. 2005. PubMed ↗
Vieira-Baptista P, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction? A Systematic Review. Sexual Medicine. 2021. PubMed ↗

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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