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Physical effort: Low Frontal

The Cobra (Embracing Hug): missionary with a full embrace

The Cobra is a missionary with a full embrace. The receiving partner lies on their back and crosses their legs around the other partner's lower back while hugging their upper back; the partner on top lies chest to chest, supported on forearms and knees. Because the bodies are locked together, thrusting turns into a short, continuous rocking of the pelvis, with eye contact and kissing throughout. This page describes vaginal penetration; the versions for two men and for two women have their own pages.

Also known as: The cobra · Embracing hug · Leg-wrap missionary

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Illustration of The Cobra (Embracing Hug): A close version of missionary: the receiving partner lies on her back and wraps her legs around the lower back and her arms around the shoulders of the partner
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their back with the head on a pillow, bends the knees and wraps their legs around the other partner's lower back, crossing the ankles; their arms go around the other's upper back. The penetrating partner lies on top, chest against chest, resting on both forearms placed beside the receiving partner's shoulders and kneeling between their thighs, with the face close enough to kiss. The embrace limits the range of movement: instead of long strokes, the pelvis rocks back and forth over a short distance. Depth is moderate, and the receiving partner can set the rhythm by pulling with their legs. Part of the top partner's weight rests on the chest and belly of the partner below, so the forearms and knees should carry most of it.

Why this position works

Many couples like it for the closeness: bodies in contact from chest to thighs, faces together, and a slow pace that suits unhurried sex. As the pelvises stay pressed together, the rocking rubs the pubic area, which can stimulate the clitoris more than ordinary missionary does. The receiving partner also takes part in the rhythm through the leg embrace. How intense it feels varies from person to person.

Deep Intimacy Relaxation and Surrender Easy Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: legs higher up the back

The same embrace, but the receiving partner crosses their legs higher, around the middle or upper back of the partner on top.

Raising the legs tilts the receiving partner's pelvis upwards, which changes the angle of penetration and can make it feel deeper. It asks for a little more hip flexibility and leg effort; the partner on top stays on forearms and knees.

  1. Start in the base position, with your legs crossed around your partner's lower back.
  2. Slide your legs up until your ankles cross around the middle of their back.
  3. Let your pelvis tilt upwards and keep the rocking short.
  4. Lower your legs again if your hips or lower back become uncomfortable.

Variation 2: with a pillow under the hips

The same position with a firm pillow under the receiving partner's buttocks, which raises the pelvis without needing to lift the legs.

The pillow tilts the pelvis upwards, so the angle improves and the legs do not have to work to keep it raised. The embrace and the rocking stay the same, and the receiving partner's lower back rests on a firm surface.

  1. The receiving partner lies on their back and places a firm pillow under the buttocks.
  2. The partner on top lies chest to chest, resting on forearms and knees.
  3. The receiving partner wraps their legs around the other's lower back and their arms around the other's shoulders.
  4. Rock gently and adjust the height of the pillow until it feels comfortable.

Variation 3: coital alignment (CAT)

The partner on top slides a few centimetres up the body, so their pubic bone rests on the clitoris, and the rocking becomes an up-and-down grind.

Instead of rocking forwards and backwards, the partner on top moves up so their pelvis sits higher than usual and the base of the penis presses against the clitoris. Penetration becomes shallower and the movement is a slow, steady grind with constant pressure. Some people find it makes clitoral orgasm during intercourse easier; it does not work the same for everyone.

  1. Start in the base position, chest to chest, with the receiving partner's legs crossed around the lower back of the partner on top.
  2. The partner on top slides up a few centimetres, so their pelvis is higher than their partner's.
  3. Instead of thrusting, move with a slow up-and-down grind, keeping the pubic bones together.
  4. Keep the rhythm steady and adjust the pressure until it feels right for both of you.

Variation 4: the receiving partner sets the pace with the legs

The partner on top stays almost still and the receiving partner sets the rhythm by pulling and releasing with their crossed legs.

The bodies stay in the same embrace, but control of the movement changes hands: the person below draws the other partner's pelvis in with their legs and then releases, choosing speed and depth. The partner on top only needs to hold their weight on forearms and knees.

  1. Get into the base position, with the ankles crossed around your partner's lower back.
  2. The partner on top holds still, with the weight on forearms and knees.
  3. Pull them towards you with your legs, then release, at the speed you like.
  4. Tell each other when to switch back to shared rocking.

✓ Tips
  • Keep most of your weight on your forearms and knees, not on your partner's chest or belly.
  • Move with rocking, not long thrusts: short movements keep the embrace comfortable.
  • Use lubricant if needed, and a condom to protect against STIs and pregnancy.
  • If the arms get tired, the receiving partner can let go and keep only the legs crossed.
  • Stop and adjust at any sign of pain or difficulty breathing.
Interaction type
Face-to-face vaginal penetration with a full embrace and short rocking
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina and clitoris (through pubic contact)
Main stimulation
Vaginal penetration with short rocking; pubic contact can rub the clitoris
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbian

Frequently asked questions

How is it different from missionary?

In the embrace: the receiving partner wraps their legs around the lower back and their arms around the shoulders of the partner on top, so movement becomes a short rocking with full body contact.

Is it comfortable for a long time?

It takes little effort, but part of the top partner's weight rests on the person below. It stays comfortable if the forearms and knees carry the weight; avoid it if pressure on the chest or belly is a problem.

Does it work for any couple?

Yes. Two men can do it with anal penetration, and two women with vulva-to-vulva rubbing or a strap-on; each version has its own page with specific tips.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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