X Marks the Spot Sex Position: How to Do It & Why It Works

Looking to switch up your go-to routine without learning something acrobatic? The X Marks the Spot sex position is a simple, spicy twist that blends comfort with novelty. It’s beginner-friendly, easy to slide into from missionary, and adapts well to toys (especially quiet bullets and remote toys). Below you’ll find two popular ways to do X Marks the Spot, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and ways to intensify sensations while staying safe and connected.

What is the X Marks the Spot sex position?

The name describes the shape your bodies create—an “X.” Depending on who you ask, the position has two common interpretations:

• Cross-Leg Twist (missionary tweak): One partner lies on their back, raises their legs, and crosses them at the shins while the other partner is on top facing them. The crossed legs create a tighter, “X-like” channel and can boost friction with minimal effort. This variant is often presented as a simple missionary upgrade for extra pressure and control.
• Perpendicular Cross-Body (true X): The receiver lies on their back as usual, while the penetrating partner lies perpendicular across their torso—so from above, your bodies form a literal X. This version feels novel and visually playful, though it can be less cuddly and a bit awkward for some couples.

How to do the Cross-Leg Twist (the easy, friction-boosting version)

Set-up

• The receiver lies on their back near the center of the bed.
• Penetrating partner kneels/leans forward between their thighs, like a missionary.
• Receiver raises both legs; place feet on the top partner’s chest/shoulders or keep legs extended upward.
• Cross the legs at the shins (that’s the “X” moment).
• Begin with slow, shallow thrusts; adjust angle/tempo until it feels snug but not painful.

Why it works

• The crossed shins subtly narrow the canal, creating a tighter feel and more friction.
• It takes seconds to set up and doesn’t require major flexibility.
• It leaves hands free for clitoral stimulation or toy play.

Quick tweaks

• Place a small pillow under the receiver’s hips for a lifted angle.
• Uncross/re-cross when you want to reset pressure or go deeper.
• Pair with a tiny bullet vibrator on the clitoris or perineum to keep arousal high with minimal movement.

How to do the Perpendicular Cross-Body (the “true X” shape)

Set-up

• The receiver lies on their back, head near the pillows.
• The penetrating partner lies across the body, perpendicular—head toward one bed edge, feet toward the other—so the two torsos form an X from above.
• Start slowly to find the right depth and rhythm; this angle can feel unusual at first.
• Use hands for stability (hip, thigh, or mattress holds) and add lube to remove any drag.

Why it works

• The cross-body alignment changes entry angle—it can stimulate different internal spots than standard missionary.
• It offers a playful “we’re trying something new” energy that keeps focus and anticipation strong.
• It’s a good “intermission” position between your usual favorites.

Heads-up

• This version can feel less intimate (less torso contact and harder to kiss), and some find G-spot access less direct. If that’s you, you can pivot back to a more aligned position or add external stimulation to balance sensation.

Benefits: Why X Marks the Spot can feel so good

• Friction on demand. The cross-leg twist increases snugness without exhausting your hips or core, which can heighten stimulation at lower speeds.
• Angle exploration. The perpendicular cross-body alters penetration paths—great for variety and discovering overlooked “yes” zones.
• Toy-friendly. Both versions leave hands free for clitoral, penile, or perineal stimulation. Remote-controlled toys pair seamlessly, letting one partner “drive” the vibes without breaking rhythm. (For foreplay-to-intercourse toy blending, see general guidance on incorporating toys.)

If you love consistent clitoral contact, you can also experiment with coital alignment (a small missionary tweak that shifts pressure downward to the clitoris). It’s not the same position, but learning CAT can teach you what angles your body likes—and you can bring those insights back to X Marks the Spot.

Step-by-step spice-ups (both versions)

• Hands as “anchors.” The top partner can hold the receiver’s calves/ankles during the cross-leg twist, or the receiver can brace the top partner’s hip to guide pace and depth.
• Rhythm play. Alternate slow grinds (long exhales) with short bursts (three or four quick thrusts).
• Wedge & pillows. A small pillow under the sacrum (receiver) or an angled wedge can lift the pelvis for easier targeting of internal hotspots.
• Dirty talk prompts. “Tell me when to cross/un-cross,” “Should I go tighter or deeper?”—keep communication sexy and specific.

How to add toys (discreetly and effectively)

Bullets & eggs: The X Marks the Spot sex position is practically made for slim bullet/egg vibrators, which fit comfortably between bodies without disrupting movement. If stealth is a priority, a remote-controlled bullet lets one partner adjust patterns mid-thrust. Explore Egg & Bullet Vibrators or try a quiet, palm-size option like the Remote-Controlled Bullet Vibrator for whisper-soft vibes that won’t steal the scene.

Lubrication: More friction is great—dry friction is not. Use a generous amount of body-safe lube with any version, and reapply after changing angles. (If you use latex condoms, stick to water-based or silicone lube.)

Toy placement ideas:

• Cross-leg twist: Place a bullet on the clitoris (receiver), or nestle a vibe at the base of the shaft/perineum (giver).
• Perpendicular cross-body: Since torsos are offset, you’ve got clean access to the clitoris, testicles, or perineum with fingers or a toy.

Modifications for comfort & mobility

• Tight hips or hamstrings? Bend the receiver’s knees more and cross just at the ankles rather than high at the shins.
• Longer legs? Place the receiver’s feet on the top partner’s shoulders for support before crossing.
• Pelvic sensitivity? Favor shallow, rhythmic thrusts and add sustained external stimulation rather than going deeper.
• Plus-size bodies: The cross-leg twist is great because it’s bed-based and supports the back; use pillows to elevate hips for easier alignment.
• Toy-only nights: Try the perpendicular cross-body with fingers or a curved toy for a unique angle of internal stimulation, no thrusting required.

Common mistakes (and easy fixes)

“It feels too tight.”
Uncross a bit (ankles, not shins), add more lube, or switch to a grind instead of hard thrusts.

“We keep losing the angle.”
Plant the top partner’s knees wider for stability. A small pillow under the receiver’s hips helps keep the target zone lifted.

“Clitoral access is awkward.”
That’s more likely in the perpendicular version. Slide a bullet into place before you begin, or swap to the cross-leg twist for easier access.

“It’s not intimate enough.”
Press your chests together between sets, add eye contact and talk, or combine with a kiss break before returning to the X shape. (The cross-body variant is known to feel less cuddly—lean on touch and praise to rebalance.)

Sample mini-routine (5–8 minutes)

• Warm-up (60–90 sec): kissing, light pressure on inner thighs, a touch of lube.
• Cross-leg twist: 30–60 seconds of slow, snug strokes.
• Vibe add-in: place a remote bullet on the clitoris or perineum; keep hips steady while the vibe does the work.
• Tempo play: three quick bursts → long slow grind → repeat twice.
• Reset: uncross legs for a few deep strokes, then re-cross to finish.
• Aftercare: water, cuddles, “what did you like most?”—that 30-second debrief turns good sex into great sex next time.

Safety & consent (the unsexy stuff that keeps it sexy)

• Agree on a check-in cue (“Color?” / “Okay?”) so you can adjust pressure and pace quickly.
• Pain ≠ pleasure if it’s sharp, pinching, or crampy—stop and reposition.
• No pressure on the neck or chest that restricts breathing. Choose dominance vibes that don’t involve the airway.
• Hydrate and rest tight muscles if you get charley horses; magnesium and gentle stretching outside the bedroom can help prevent them.

Variations to try next

• The T: Lie perpendicular like the cross-body “X,” but keep the receiver’s legs bent to form a “T” shape—easier alignment, similar novelty. (Alphabet fun!) 
• One-leg crossover: Cross only one leg at the shin for asymmetrical pressure—often easier on hips.
• Toy-forward X: Stay in the perpendicular version while one partner focuses solely on hands + bullet—luxuriously effective.
• CAT crossover: Learn coital alignment on a different night, then bring your favorite angle tricks back to X for effortless clitoral contact. 

Final take

The X Marks the Spot sex position is a low-effort way to add novelty and sensation—whether you choose the cross-leg twist for friction or the perpendicular cross-body for angle play. Keep lube handy, communicate often, and pair it with a small, quiet vibrator for consistent external stimulation. Want some help choosing one? Start with our Egg & Bullet Vibrators, or go right to a discreet remote option like the Remote-Controlled Bullet Vibrator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the X Marks the Spot sex position, exactly?

Two popular versions exist: a cross-leg twist where the receiver crosses their shins during missionary for extra snugness, and a perpendicular cross-body where your torsos form an actual “X.” Both are beginner-friendly and toy-compatible.

Is X Marks the Spot good for the G-spot?

It can be—but results vary. The cross-leg twist increases friction; the perpendicular version changes entry angle (some love it, others find G-spot access trickier). If you want consistent clitoral/G-zone contact, try coital alignment or add a small vibrator.

Which bodies and flexibility levels is it best for?

Most. It’s bed-based and customizable. If flexibility is limited, cross at the ankles instead of the shins and rely more on grinding than thrusting.

What toys work best with X Marks the Spot?

Bullets/eggs are the MVPs because they’re compact and quiet. A remote-controlled bullet is ideal—you can change patterns mid-thrust without breaking the moment. Explore Egg & Bullet Vibrators or a stealthy pick like the Remote-Controlled Bullet Vibrator.

How do we make it more intimate?

Add eye contact, hand-holding, and praise. Pause for a chest-to-chest squeeze or a kiss, then drop back into the “X.” The intimacy dip some feel in the perpendicular version is common—counter it with closeness and verbal feedback.