Spread Eagle: missionary with the legs spread wide and one raised
Spread Eagle is a face-to-face variation of the missionary position. She lies on her back with her arms above her head and her legs spread very wide, one raised high in the air and the other stretched out on the bed. He lies on top of her at a slight diagonal, propped on one hand, with his legs stretched back. The wide opening lets the bodies come very close and allows deep penetration, with plenty of eye contact and room for kissing. It asks for open hips from her and some arm strength from him.
Also known as: Spread Eagle · Open eagle · Spread-legged missionary
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner lies on her back, her torso slightly turned, with her head and arms resting above her head. She opens her legs as wide as is comfortable: one leg is raised high in the air and the other stays stretched out along the mattress, under her partner. The penetrating partner lies on top of her at a slight diagonal, with his legs stretched straight back and his weight on the tips of his toes. He plants one hand on the bed beside her head, and part of his chest rests on hers. Their faces are close, so they can look at each other and kiss. He sets the pace with movements of his pelvis; the open legs allow deep penetration. The load falls on her hips, which are wide open, and on his wrist and arms, which keep part of his weight off her.
Why this position works
Many couples like how close it feels: chests touching, faces a few centimetres apart and the chance to kiss throughout. With the legs so wide open, the bodies fit together closely and penetration can be deep, which some people find very satisfying and others prefer to keep gentle. The raised leg changes the angle of the pelvis a little, and some people notice different sensations that way. The pubic bones can also rub, which some women enjoy as clitoral contact. How it feels varies from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: both legs raised and spread
Instead of raising just one leg, she lifts both and spreads them wide, holding them from behind the knees.
The other leg also leaves the mattress: she raises both legs in a wide V and holds them from behind the knees. The pelvis tilts further back, so penetration can be deeper and the angle changes. It asks for more hip flexibility from her, and he has less room for his legs, so he may need to bring his knees forward onto the bed.
- Start in the basic position, with him on top propped on one hand.
- She raises the leg that was stretched out, so both legs are in the air.
- She spreads them in a wide V and holds them from behind the knees.
- He adjusts his knees on the bed and moves slowly, letting her guide the depth.
Variation 2: with a cushion under her hips
A firm cushion under her hips raises the pelvis, making the wide opening easier to hold and changing the angle of penetration.
Everything stays the same except for a firm cushion placed under her buttocks and lower back. The raised pelvis changes the angle of entry, which some people notice more on the front wall of the vagina, and it can make the open legs more comfortable. He may need to come up a little higher on the bed so the pelvises line up.
- Place a firm cushion or folded pillow under her buttocks.
- She lies back on it, opens her legs wide and raises one.
- He lies on top at a slight diagonal, propped on one hand.
- Adjust the height of the cushion until the angle is comfortable for both.
Variation 3: circular grinding instead of thrusting
He stays deep inside and presses his pelvis against hers, replacing in-and-out thrusts with slow circular movements.
The posture is the same, but the movement changes: he slides up slightly so his pubic bone rests on hers and, instead of thrusting, rocks his pelvis in small circles. Penetration stays deep and constant, and the pubic bones rub, which some women feel as stimulation of the clitoris. It is less tiring for his arms because there is no long stroke.
- Start in the basic position, with the penis fully inside.
- He slides up a little so his pubic bone rests against hers.
- He makes small, slow circles with his pelvis without pulling out.
- She can push back with her pelvis to find the pressure she likes.
Variation 4: the raised leg resting on his shoulder
She rests the raised leg on his shoulder instead of holding it in the air, which spares her hip and keeps penetration deep.
The raised leg no longer has to be held up: she bends the knee slightly and rests her calf or ankle on his shoulder. Her hip relaxes and the angle of the pelvis stays similar. He has to lift his torso a little more, with the weight on his hand, so the face-to-face closeness is somewhat reduced.
- Start in the basic position.
- He lifts his torso slightly, keeping his hand on the bed.
- She bends the raised leg and rests her calf or ankle on his shoulder.
- Move slowly at first; if the hip pulls, she lowers the leg.
Variation 5: he rests on his forearms
He lowers himself onto both forearms, close to her face, for more chest contact and easier kissing.
Instead of propping himself on one straight arm, he rests both forearms on the bed on either side of her head. His chest comes closer to hers and their faces almost touch, which makes kissing easy. His wrists rest, but he has to be careful not to drop his whole weight on her: the forearms and toes keep carrying it.
- Start in the basic position.
- He lowers himself onto both forearms, on either side of her head.
- He keeps his weight on his forearms and toes, not on her chest.
- Move with shorter strokes, staying close enough to kiss.
✓ Tips
- Open the legs only as far as is comfortable; if the hip or groin pulls, lower the raised leg or bend the knee.
- He should keep part of his weight on his hand and toes so he does not crush her chest or abdomen.
- Penetration is deep: start slowly and let her guide how deep and how fast; stop if there is pain.
- Avoid hard thrusts if he slips out: hitting the pelvic bone with an erect penis can injure it.
- Use lubricant if needed, and a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
- Change position or take a break if his wrist or arm gets tired.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal sex
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal penetration, with possible pubic contact against the clitoris
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
How is it different from the classic missionary?
She opens her legs much wider and raises one high, and he lies at a slight diagonal, propped on one hand. This lets the bodies fit more closely and allows deeper penetration.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, if she has fairly open hips. If the wide opening is uncomfortable, she can bend the raised leg or rest it on his shoulder (variation 4).
Does it stimulate the G-spot?
It might for some people: the raised leg changes the angle of the pelvis. But sensations vary a lot, and there is no guarantee.
How can we avoid him putting too much weight on her?
He keeps one hand on the bed and his toes on the mattress, and rests only part of his chest on her. If he gets tired, it is better to switch 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.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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