Praying Mantis: crossed rear-entry penetration
The Praying Mantis is an advanced rear-entry position in which the bodies cross. The receiving partner is on all fours with the torso low, and the penetrating partner mounts their buttocks facing the opposite way, towards their feet, leaning on one hand on the floor and stretching one leg over their back. It allows vaginal or anal penetration at an unusual angle, but it demands a lot of balance and strength and puts the penis at risk if movements are not controlled.
Also known as: criss-cross · crossed doggy style · reverse mount from behind
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner gets on hands and knees, lowers the torso and the head towards the floor and keeps the knees slightly apart. The penetrating partner turns to face the opposite direction, towards the receiving partner's feet, and rests their pelvis against the buttocks. They lean forward with one arm straight and the hand on the floor beyond the receiving partner's feet, keep the other hand on one buttock and stretch one leg back over the receiving partner's lower back, towards their head; the other leg rests on its knee or foot on the floor beside them. The penis enters bent backwards, opposite to its natural curve, so the penetrating partner sets the pace with short, slow movements. Part of the penetrating partner's weight rests on the receiving partner's pelvis, and both carry load on their wrists.
Why this position works
Some people enjoy the novelty of the crossed angle, which makes the penis press on different areas from a classic doggy style. It feels playful and acrobatic, and the receiving partner can rest their head and let the other partner set the pace. There is no eye contact or kissing, and the position is hard to hold, so it usually works as a brief moment rather than as the main position.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: the receiving partner rests on the forearms
The same crossed mount, but the receiving partner lowers onto the forearms, with the chest closer to the floor and the hips higher.
Resting on the forearms takes the load off the receiving partner's wrists and raises the hips, so the penetrating partner has to bend the penis less to enter. The receiving partner's base becomes lower and steadier.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours and then lowers onto the forearms, keeping the hips high.
- The penetrating partner mounts the buttocks facing the opposite way, one hand on the floor beyond the receiving partner's feet.
- Penetrate only once stable, and keep movements short and slow.
- Stop if the penis bends or anyone loses balance.
Variation 2: a firm cushion under the chest
The same crossed mount, but the receiving partner rests the chest on a firm cushion or folded pillow instead of holding up the torso.
The cushion carries the weight of the receiving partner's torso, so they can relax the arms and focus on keeping the knees steady. The penetrating partner gains a more stable base, because the receiving partner moves less.
- Place a firm cushion or a folded pillow under the chest of the receiving partner.
- The receiving partner kneels and lowers the chest onto the cushion, keeping the hips raised.
- The penetrating partner mounts facing the opposite way, keeping the weight on the hand and leg on the floor.
- Move slowly and adjust the cushion if the angle feels forced.
Variation 3: the penetrating partner keeps both knees on the floor
The easiest version: the penetrating partner straddles the receiving partner sideways, facing the feet, with both knees on the floor and no leg over the back.
Without lifting a leg over the receiving partner's back, the penetrating partner has two supports on the floor and almost none of their weight rests on the receiving partner. It needs much less balance, although the angle of the penis is still inverted.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours with the torso low.
- The penetrating partner kneels astride the receiving partner's hips, facing their feet, with one knee on each side.
- Lean forward onto the hands, bring the pelvis to the buttocks and penetrate gently.
- Keep movements short and stop if the penis bends or there is pain.
✓ Tips
- Get into position first and penetrate only once you are both stable; do not try to enter while you are still moving into place.
- The penis enters bent against its natural curve: use short, slow movements and stop at once if it slips out or there is pain, because it can bend and be injured.
- The penetrating partner should keep most of their weight on the hand and leg on the floor, not on the receiving partner's pelvis.
- Both partners carry weight on their wrists: a cushion under the hands or resting on the forearms reduces the strain.
- For anal penetration, use plenty of lubricant and a condom, go slowly and never switch from anus to vagina without changing the condom.
- Use a condom against STIs in vaginal penetration as well, and agree on a signal to stop.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from behind, with crossed bodies
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal or anal penetration from behind at a crossed, inverted angle.
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for beginners?
Not really: it needs a lot of balance, strength in the arms and coordination. It is better to try it once you are comfortable with classic doggy style, and on a soft but firm surface.
Is it risky for the penis?
It can be. The penis enters bent backwards, so sudden movements or slipping out and pushing back in can bend it. Move slowly, keep the range short and stop if there is pain.
Can it be done with anal penetration?
Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, start slowly and let the receiving partner guide the depth. Do not switch from anus to vagina without changing the condom.
Is there an easier version?
Yes: the penetrating partner can keep both knees on the floor, straddling the receiving partner sideways, without lifting a leg over their back. It is more stable and puts less weight on the receiving partner.
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.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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