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Physical effort: Medium Lateral

The Bamboo in Bloom: deep scissor position with one leg on his shoulder

The Bamboo in Bloom is a deep vaginal position in a scissor shape. She lies half on her side, propped on a forearm, one leg stretched out on the bed and the other raised vertically against his shoulder. He kneels upright, straddling her lower leg, hugs the raised leg to his chest and sets the pace. It asks for some hip and hamstring flexibility from her.

Also known as: Splitting Bamboo

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Illustration of The Bamboo in Bloom: She lies half on her side, propped on one forearm, with one leg stretched along the bed and the other raised straight up against his shoulder; he kneels upright
Anatomy and biomechanics

She lies on her side and turns her torso halfway up, resting on one forearm. Her lower leg stays stretched out along the bed; she lifts the upper leg and rests it, straight, against his shoulder, so her legs form an open scissor. He kneels upright, half sitting back on his heels, with her lower leg between his knees, and holds her raised leg against his chest with one or both arms. From there he penetrates and controls the rhythm and depth with his hips. The open legs allow deep penetration. They can see each other partly, since she is only half turned, and her free hand can reach her clitoris.

Why this position works

Some couples like the feeling of depth that the open-scissor angle can give, and the closeness of him holding her raised leg against his chest. She can relax on her side while he does the movement, and her free hand is available to stimulate her clitoris. He can also kiss or caress her foot and calf. Sensations vary from person to person, and the depth needs to be adjusted gradually.

Variations of this position

Variation 1: the raised knee bent

She keeps the raised leg against his shoulder but bends the knee, so her calf rests over his shoulder.

Bending the knee takes the stretch off the back of the thigh and the hip, so it needs much less flexibility; penetration is usually a little less deep.

  1. Get into the basic position, with her on her side and him kneeling.
  2. She bends the knee of the raised leg.
  3. She rests her calf over his shoulder instead of the straight leg.
  4. He holds her thigh against his chest and moves gently.

Variation 2: a cushion under her hip

A firm cushion goes under her lower hip to raise her pelvis to his height.

With her pelvis higher, he can stay more upright on his knees without leaning down, and the angle of penetration changes slightly.

  1. Before starting, place a firm cushion where her lower hip will rest.
  2. She lies on her side over the cushion, propped on her forearm.
  3. She raises the upper leg against his shoulder.
  4. He kneels upright and checks that the height feels comfortable before moving.

Variation 3: lying fully on her side

Instead of propping herself on her forearm, she lies fully on her side with her head on a pillow.

Her shoulder and arm rest completely, which makes the position more relaxed for her; she loses some eye contact but has both hands free.

  1. She lies fully on her side with a pillow under her head.
  2. She keeps the lower leg stretched out and raises the upper one against his shoulder.
  3. He kneels astride her lower leg and holds the raised leg.
  4. She can use a free hand on her clitoris while he moves.

✓ Tips

  • Warm up the hips and hamstrings first; if her leg will not stay straight, bend the knee slightly.
  • He holds her raised leg gently without pushing it further than it goes on its own.
  • Start shallow and slow: the open legs allow deep penetration, so increase depth only if it feels good.
  • Use lubricant if needed and stop if there is pain in the hip, groin or deep inside.
  • A cushion under his knees protects them if he stays kneeling for a long time.

Key facts

Interaction type
Deep vaginal penetration in a scissor position, she on her side with one leg on his shoulder and he
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina; clitoris by hand (optional)
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal penetration at a scissor angle, with the option of her hand on the clitoris
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people Hetero

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to be very flexible for The Bamboo in Bloom?

Some flexibility in her hips and hamstrings helps, since one leg goes up vertically while the other stays stretched out. If it is too much, bending the knee of the raised leg makes it much easier.

Who controls the rhythm?

He does, kneeling and moving his hips. She can guide him with words, or by bringing her raised leg closer or further from his chest.

Is it a deep position?

It can be, because the legs are wide open. Go slowly at first and adjust the depth to what is comfortable for her.

Can she add clitoral stimulation?

Yes: she rests on one forearm and the other hand is free, and he can also use a hand if he holds the leg with just one arm.

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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