How To Try The Praying Mantis Sex Position

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The Praying Mantis sex position feels like a blend of the Deep Impact position and the Leg Glider position. It belongs to the family of on-your-back positions that rank among the best sex positions out there.

To get into it, lie on your back just as you would for standard Missionary sex, legs open. Your man kneels beside your vagina, facing you with his legs spread so he can lower himself down to enter you. He then takes hold of one of your legs, gradually raising it until it points roughly toward the ceiling, resting it against his shoulder with his arm wrapped around it.

Her Role In The Praying Mantis Position

Much like the Deep Impact position, there's not a lot required of you here. If you'd like, bring a hand down to add some extra pleasure for yourself. Locking eyes with your partner is a simple way to deepen the intimacy of this position. Kissing gets tricky from this angle, but you can still touch — or scratch, if that's your thing — his chest, and play with your breasts too.

If flexibility isn't your strong suit, speak up if the pressure on your raised leg feels like too much — bending it slightly can ease the strain.

His Role In The Praying Mantis Position

Your man thrusts much as he would in the Deep Impact position, one arm wrapped around your raised leg while the other braces your other leg on the bed, giving him leverage for powerful thrusts.

If he's not especially flexible, spreading his legs wide won't come easily, so he may need to pull you closer to achieve full penetration. If you're flexible enough, he can also lean forward over you during sex to amplify the sense of him being in control. Surprise him with a few tricks from our guide on how to be submissive.

Tips For The Praying Mantis Position

We've gathered some useful feedback on the Praying Mantis position from Love Curi readers:

• Try switching which leg stays raised and which stays down — many people find they have a slight preference for one over the other.
• For deeper penetration, wrap your lowered leg around your partner's back and pull him in with each thrust.
• If fast, passionate sex is what you're after, he can wrap both arms around your raised leg and hold it firmly, freeing him up to thrust with real intensity.

Similar Positions

Deep Impact

A pose that lifts your body for intense G-spot stimulation.

Butterfly

Lie back on the bed with your legs bent at the hips while your man does the work.

Legs On Shoulder

Your man can get up close and personal to your gorgeous legs when they're resting on his shoulders.

Criss Cross

Spice things up by crossing your legs at the ankles.

Launch Pad

Place your feet against your man's chest.

If you like it on your back, you can find even more lying on your back sex positions here.

Sean's Take On The Praying Mantis Sex Position

To me, the Praying Mantis reads more like a variation on other positions than a genuinely new one that unlocks totally different sensations. Still, it's a great way to shake things up with your partner in bed — and that variety is honestly one of the biggest keys to getting better at sex over time.

April 3, 2021