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Physical effort: Medium Lateral

The Pretzel (The Ring): side-lying sex with interlocked legs

The Pretzel (The Ring) is a position in which the bodies interlock. The receiving partner lies on their side, propped on the lower forearm with the torso turned slightly towards the bed. The penetrating partner kneels upright, straddling the receiving partner's lower leg, which is bent back between their knees, while the receiving partner's top leg wraps around their waist. The kneeling partner faces the other's pelvis, sets the pace, and penetration can be deep. It asks for some hip mobility from the receiving partner and loads the knees of the penetrating partner; eye contact is only possible if the partner on their side turns their torso upwards.

Also known as: Pretzel · Pretzel dip

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Illustration of The Pretzel (The Ring): She lies on her side on her forearm with her lower leg bent back; he kneels astride that leg and she wraps her top leg around his waist, so the bodies interlock
Anatomy and biomechanics

The receiving partner lies on their side on the bed and rests on the lower forearm, torso turned a little towards the mattress and head low. The lower leg is bent backwards and lies on the bed; the top leg lifts and wraps around the penetrating partner's waist, foot resting behind their back. The penetrating partner kneels upright, straddling the receiving partner's lower thigh, so that the two pelvises meet at a right angle; both hands rest on the raised thigh. The kneeling partner enters and controls rhythm and depth; the receiving partner's top leg can pull them closer or hold them back. The interlocked legs open the receiving partner's hip and allow deep penetration, but they also twist it, and the kneeling partner's knees carry their weight.

Why this position works

Some couples like it because the interlocked legs let penetration go deep without anyone carrying the other's weight, and the receiving partner's leg wrapped around the other's waist gives a sense of closeness. The penetrating partner's hands are free on the thigh and can easily reach the clitoris. It feels different from both rear entry and face-to-face positions. It is not effortless: it takes a moment to find the fit, the receiving partner's hip is open and twisted, and the kneeling partner's knees bear the load. Eye contact needs the partner on their side to turn upwards. Sensations vary from person to person.

Sensory Exploration Complete Rhythm Control Medium Neutral Weight Distribution Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: top leg resting on the partner's thigh

Instead of wrapping their top leg around the other's waist, the receiving partner rests it bent on their partner's thigh or hip.

Without hooking the leg around the partner, the receiving partner's hip twists less and the leg rests, so it is gentler if the hip pulls. The pelvises are slightly further apart, so penetration is a little less deep, and the penetrating partner can hold the thigh with both hands to guide the movement.

  1. Start in the basic pretzel.
  2. The receiving partner unhooks their top leg from the other's waist and lowers it, bent, onto the partner's thigh or hip.
  3. The penetrating partner rests both hands on that thigh to keep it in place.
  4. Adjust the angle with short movements until the receiving partner's hip is comfortable.

Variation 2: turned further towards the bed

The receiving partner rotates their torso further towards the mattress, resting on both forearms, while keeping the legs interlocked.

With the chest closer to the bed and both forearms down, the receiving partner's pelvis tilts and the angle of entry comes closer to that of rear entry. The shoulders rest on two supports, but the twist of the hip increases slightly, so stop if it pulls.

  1. Start in the basic pretzel.
  2. The receiving partner turns their chest further towards the bed and places both forearms on the mattress.
  3. They keep their top leg around the other's waist or rest it on their thigh.
  4. The penetrating partner adjusts the height of their pelvis and continues with controlled movements.

Variation 3: turned upwards for eye contact

The receiving partner rolls their torso up towards the other, resting on their back and lower elbow, so you can look at each other.

Rolling towards the back reduces the twist in the receiving partner's hip and allows eye contact and conversation. The angle becomes closer to face-to-face and penetration a little less deep. The penetrating partner can lean forward slightly to hold the other's hand or stroke the belly and clitoris.

  1. Start in the basic pretzel.
  2. The receiving partner slowly rolls their chest up towards the ceiling, leaning on the lower elbow or lying back on a pillow.
  3. The legs stay interlocked: lower leg between the kneeling partner's knees, top leg around their waist.
  4. The penetrating partner adjusts their pelvis to the new angle and continues gently.

Variation 4: cushion under the receiving partner's hip

A firm cushion under the receiving partner's lower hip raises their pelvis to the other partner's height.

Raising the receiving partner's pelvis lines it up with the penetrating partner's, so the kneeling partner does not have to lower themselves or bend their back, and their knees carry less strain. The angle of entry becomes more direct and the fit is easier to find, especially if there is a height difference.

  1. Place a firm cushion or folded pillow where the receiving partner's lower hip will rest.
  2. The receiving partner lies on their side over it, propped on the forearm, lower leg bent back.
  3. The penetrating partner kneels astride that lower leg and the receiving partner wraps their top leg around the other's waist.
  4. Adjust the height of the cushion until the kneeling partner's back stays straight.

✓ Tips
  • Finding the fit takes a moment: get into position slowly and adjust before you start moving.
  • Do not force the receiving partner's hip: if the twist pulls, they can turn more onto their side or rest their top leg on the other's thigh (variation 1).
  • Use a soft surface or a folded blanket under the kneeling partner's knees; if they hurt, change position.
  • Penetration can be deep: start slowly and let the receiving partner set the depth with their top leg.
  • Use lubricant if needed and a condom to protect against STIs and, if needed, pregnancy; for anal sex, plenty of lubricant and a condom are essential.
Interaction type
Vaginal penetration with interlocked legs, receiving partner on her side and penetrating partner kne
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Vaginal penetration with interlocked legs, receiving partner on their side, can be deep
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbian

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the pretzel?

Because the bodies interlock like the loops of a pretzel: the penetrating partner straddles one of the other's legs and the other leg wraps around them.

Is it difficult?

Moderately. Finding the fit takes a moment, the receiving partner needs some hip mobility and the penetrating partner kneels throughout. Once in place, it can be held comfortably for a while.

Can we look at each other?

In the basic position the receiving partner faces the bed. If they turn their torso upwards, towards their partner, there is eye contact (variation 3), though penetration becomes a little shallower.

Does it allow deep penetration?

It can, because the interlocked legs bring the pelvises close. Go slowly and adjust to what is comfortable for the receiving partner.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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