LOVE Positions: Scissoring

Although this position is often associated with a form of tribbing that takes place between two people who have vulvas, it can actually be adapted for all bodies, like couples where one person has a penis and the other a vagina (or penis and anus). For couples where there’s a penis involved, all you need to do is cross your legs a certain way (which we’ll detail further below) and then slide the penis between your two hips; each micro thrust of your pelvis will create a sideways rubbing sensation that will stimulate the clitoris, head and perineum. If both partners have a penis, they can align their penises together between oiled up thighs for a velvety shaft-to-shaft experience.

Sexologists remind us that the most important aspects of the whole experience are the alignment of your hips, a a generous amount of lube and smaller movements instead of big, deep movements. Maintaining pressure on these nerve-ending packed zones replaces deep penetration, offering just as an intense level of arousal, regardless of your gender and what you’re packing down below.

Face your partner, spread your legs and align your hips, bringing your genitals together. Once your genitals are touching, you can each put a leg over the other’s hip to get into a comfortable position. Your thighs should now be in that well-known ‘X’ shape. A cushion can be slipped under your lower back to help keep you in a comfortable and stable position.

To switch things up, try doing the semi-scissor where only one of you has their leg over their partner's hips, maybe the version where one of you is sat up (this can be good for penetration), or the inverted scissor (where you lie facing away from each other), which can be great for stimulating the perineum or the prostate.

Make sure you’ve always got a water-based lube on hand, and ensure you communicate with your partner throughout. Your abductor muscles will be hard at work in this position so don’t worry about taking breaks if you start to feel any cramping etc.

The main thing we love about this position is the double rubbing you get: clitoris against clitoris, tip against lips, base of the penis against pubic bone… every single micro-movement stimulates two erogenous zones at the same time. In certain variations, your faces also being close together feed into the deep connections between you and your partner, your hands are free to explore, your breathing naturally syncs up with your partners. It’s a position that is naturally inclusive, suitable for every body and avoids exaggerated thrusting: pleasure rides in slow, deep waves that take on an almost meditative quality. One other little bonus, your thighs, abs and glutes will be getting a mini workout, releasing even more endorphins!

To amplify pleasure, try blindfolding your partner: when their view is taken away from them, they’ll feel every movement even more intensely. Synchronise your breathing: inhale together, tighten your legs on the exhale and let your legs vibrate in unison. Some micro-rotations of your pelvis- almost as if you were sharpening your scissors- is enough to help you discover all the sensitive areas of your genitals.

You could also try your hand at power play: one person can guide the pressure applied by the upper leg, allowing for subtle domination without ever breaking contact. Once you’ve reached orgasm, enjoy a bit of post-sex pampering: gently relax your abductor muscles, use some hot massage oil and rehydrate. Two well worn blades always deserve a bit of after-care.

Adaptable, inclusive and hellishly sexy, scissoring is really the all rounder of pleasure. By changing the angle, the level of pressure and adding in a couple of well chosen accessories, you’ll be taken from a simple rubbing sensation all the way to streams of intense pleasure. Cross your legs, let your body do the talking and test out a position that is quite frankly a cut above the rest!