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#11 Intimate Medium

Scissor

Intertwined legs create a tight, sensations-rich position.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. James Chen, Board-Certified OB/GYN
Scissor sex position illustration - Intertwined legs create a tight, sensations-rich position.
Penetration: Shallow
Stimulation: Clitoral

About This Position

Both partners lie on their sides facing each other and intertwine their legs in a scissor-like fashion. This creates a tight fit and allows for shallow, grinding movements that stimulate the clitoris intensely.

Best For

Clitoral stimulationIntimacyGrinding

Clitoral Stimulation

Outstanding clitoral stimulation from the grinding motion and leg pressure against the pubic mound.

The primary focus of this position — maximum clitoral contact through grinding.

G-Spot Stimulation

Minimal G-spot stimulation due to the very shallow penetration.

Not designed for internal stimulation; focus is on external pleasure.

Anatomy & Physiology

Muscle Groups Involved

  • Inner thighs
  • Hip flexors
  • Glutes
  • Core

Angle of Penetration

Very shallow, grinding motion along the clitoral area

Targeted Pleasure Zones

ClitorisInner labiaVulvaPubic mound

Body Contact Points

Chest to chestLegs intertwinedPelvis to pelvisHands on hips or back

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Both partners lie on their sides facing each other on a comfortable surface, chest to chest, with legs extended toward each other.

Tip: The scissor position requires face-to-face, full-body contact — this is rated Medium difficulty for the leg coordination.

2

Intertwine your legs in a scissor-like fashion: the receiving partner's top leg goes over the penetrating partner's hip, while their bottom leg goes under.

Tip: The inner thighs and hip flexors create the scissor lock — the intertwined legs generate the friction that defines this position.

3

The penetrating partner enters while legs are intertwined. The very shallow penetration means the focus is on external stimulation, not depth.

Tip: Clitoral stimulation is rated 5/5 — the grinding motion and leg pressure against the pubic mound create intense friction.

4

Rock together in a grinding motion rather than thrusting. The intertwined legs prevent deep thrusting by design — the pressure and friction are the point.

Tip: The clitoris, inner labia, vulva, and pubic mound are all targeted pleasure zones in this position.

5

Focus on the friction and pressure created by the intertwined legs pressing against the clitoral area. The grinding motion builds intensity gradually.

Tip: Be patient — this position builds arousal slowly but can produce very intense orgasms from the sustained clitoral pressure.

6

Maintain eye contact and kiss frequently. The face-to-face orientation with legs tangled creates deep emotional and physical intimacy.

Tip: Use hands to caress each other's faces, backs, and hips for additional stimulation points.

7

Adjust the leg configuration if the angle isn't right — experiment with which leg goes over and under until the clitoral pressure is optimal.

Tip: The core and glutes maintain the side-lying position — shift if either partner's hip becomes sore.

Safety & Precautions

Warnings

  • ! Very shallow penetration — this position is about clitoral stimulation, not depth.
  • ! Can take practice to figure out the right leg configuration.

Modifications

  • * Experiment with different leg positions until you find what works.
  • * Use your hands to guide and add additional stimulation.
Flexibility: Medium Joint Stress: Minimal Pregnancy Safe

Safe during pregnancy — gentle, intimate, and low-impact.

Medical References & Sources

The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by certified health professionals. The following peer-reviewed and authoritative sources were used in developing this guide:

Health Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new positions, especially if you have back pain, joint issues, are pregnant, or have any medical condition. Stop immediately if you experience pain.

Pros

  • + Intense clitoral stimulation
  • + Full body contact
  • + Very intimate face-to-face position

Cons

  • - Very shallow penetration
  • - Takes practice to figure out

Tips

  • * Focus on grinding rather than thrusting
  • * Be patient — this position builds intensity slowly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the right technique, small errors can reduce pleasure or increase injury risk. Here are the most common mistakes couples make with the Scissor position:

Trying to thrust instead of grind

The scissor position is mechanically designed for grinding, not thrusting. The intertwined legs physically prevent deep thrusting. Rocking and grinding create the friction that makes this position's clitoral stimulation rated 5/5.

Getting the leg configuration wrong

The wrong leg-over-leg arrangement means the pressure misses the clitoris entirely. Experiment with swapping which leg goes over and under until the pubic bone contact is right.

Expecting deep penetration

This position rates 1/5 for G-spot stimulation because penetration is intentionally very shallow. Couples expecting depth will be disappointed — the position is about external clitoral pleasure, not internal stimulation.

Rushing the buildup

The scissor position builds intensity slowly through sustained grinding. Moving too fast or switching positions too early prevents the slow buildup that leads to intense orgasms.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic Scissor, these variations can add new sensations and keep things exciting:

1

Add a Pillow

Place a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to change the angle of penetration and enhance stimulation.

2

Incorporate Manual Stimulation

Use hands to add clitoral or other external stimulation during the position for enhanced pleasure.

3

Slow Down the Pace

Switch from thrusting to grinding for a more intimate, sensation-focused experience.

4

Try Different Surfaces

Move from the bed to a couch, standing, or against a wall for different angles and experiences.

Share this position

SM

Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Certified Sex Therapist, PhD in Human Sexuality

JC

Reviewed by Dr. James Chen

Board-Certified OB/GYN, 15+ Years Experience

Last reviewed: July 2026 | Content medically verified | Meet our full team

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