The praying mantis sex position is a rear-entry position: the receiving partner lies face down, propped on their forearms, with knees bent and lower legs raised toward the ceiling, a bit like the insect's folded front legs. The penetrating partner kneels behind and leads the pace. It feels snug, can go deep and needs little flexibility. A few guides use the name for a kneeling, chest-down pose instead; you'll find that one under the variations.
How to Do the Praying Mantis Position: Step by Step
You need a firm bed and two pillows.
- The receiving partner lies face down. Slide a pillow under your hips so your pelvis tilts slightly up. Prop yourself on your forearms, elbows under your shoulders, hands resting together on the second pillow.
- Bend the knees. Keep your thighs on the bed about hip-width apart and bend your knees so your feet point up. Your lower legs can relax; they don't need to stay vertical.
- The penetrating partner kneels behind. Kneel between your partner's thighs, sitting back toward your heels. Their lower legs rest against your chest, or you can hold their ankles lightly.
- Enter slowly, with plenty of lube. Find the angle before adding depth. If you lean forward, put your weight on your own hands or forearms on the bed, never on your partner's back.
- Start with small strokes. Short, rocking movements work best at first. The receiving partner can change the sensation by lifting or lowering their hips or moving their knees closer together.
To finish, the penetrating partner withdraws first, then the receiving partner lowers their legs and rolls onto one side before sitting up.
What the Praying Mantis Feels Like for Each Partner
For the receiving partner: The hip pillow tilts your pelvis so penetration angles toward the front wall of the vagina, or toward the front of the body during anal sex. With your thighs fairly close together, many people describe it as snug and full. For some people with a vagina, this pressure may reach the G-spot area; for others it simply feels deep. You stay still and fully supported, which suits anyone who enjoys letting a partner lead.
For the penetrating partner: You control rhythm and depth, and the narrower thighs add grip. Because you kneel upright, most of your weight sits on your knees, so it is easier on arms and wrists than rear-entry positions that need a plank. Holding your partner's ankles gives you leverage and a sense of connection without eye contact.
Who the Praying Mantis Suits (and Who Should Skip It)
It tends to suit couples who like rear entry and anyone who prefers it to a plank. The mattress does the supporting, so it adapts to many bodies; extra cushioning under a belly or chest, or a different stack height, sorts out most fit and height differences.
Modify it or choose something else if:
- You have back or neck pain. The propped-up posture arches the spine. Rest your upper body on a cushion, turn your head to the side, or use the legs-down version.
- Your joints are sensitive. Folded legs with someone leaning on your shins can strain them. Keep your feet low; the partner behind can add padding under themselves too.
- Face-to-face contact matters to you. This one has none, so pick one of the alternatives below.
3 Praying Mantis Variations
- Legs-down version. The receiving partner straightens their legs on the bed and the penetrating partner kneels astride their thighs. This is often called prone bone. It is the easiest on knees and back and feels even tighter.
- Kneeling "prayer" version. The receiving partner kneels with knees wide and chest lowered onto a stack of pillows, arms stretched forward, while the penetrating partner kneels behind. The receiving partner can rock back to control depth, but their knees carry more load.
- Ankle-hold version. The penetrating partner sits back on their heels and holds both ankles while the receiving partner uses a thicker pillow under the hips. The steeper pelvic tilt changes the angle, and the penetrating partner moves from the hips instead of leaning in.
Comfort, Safety and Consent
Pillows are your main adjustment tool. A firmer or thicker hip pillow means more tilt; a chest pillow takes strain off the neck and back. Use plenty of lube, and for anal sex treat it as essential, along with a slow start.
The penetrating partner should never rest their weight on the receiving partner's back or push their lower legs toward their back, which strains knees and thighs. Treat sharp pain, numbness or cramping as a reason to pause and adjust.
Because the receiving partner faces away, agree before you start on a stop word and a non-verbal signal, such as two taps on the bed, that means stop right away. Check in with short questions like "Deeper or shallower?" and talk afterward about what to change next time.
Easier Alternatives
- The woman on top position puts the receiving partner in charge of depth and adds face-to-face contact.
- The cowboy position lets the receiving partner sit upright and set the rhythm, which helps when deep rear entry feels like too much.
- Spooning keeps both partners on their sides and is gentle on backs, knees and wrists.
Praying Mantis Position FAQ
Is the praying mantis position good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the friendlier rear-entry positions for beginners because the bed supports the receiving partner and nobody has to hold a plank. Start with the legs-down version and one pillow, then raise the lower legs once the angle feels right.
Can you do the praying mantis position during pregnancy?
Early in pregnancy it may be fine, but lying face down usually becomes uncomfortable as the belly grows. Side-lying spooning is a common swap. If you have complications or have been advised to avoid penetrative sex, check with your healthcare provider first.
Why does the praying mantis position sometimes hurt?
Discomfort usually comes from depth or angle, not from doing it wrong. In rear-entry positions a penis or toy can bump the cervix, which some people find painful. Try a flatter pillow, shallower strokes, more arousal and lube, or a position where the receiving partner sets the depth. Pain that keeps coming back is worth raising with a clinician.
How is the praying mantis different from doggy style and prone bone?
Doggy style is on hands and knees, prone bone is lying flat with straight legs, and the praying mantis is lying down with knees bent and feet up. The bent legs change the pelvic tilt and give the penetrating partner something to hold, so it feels more supported than doggy style and less flat than prone bone.
Can you add a vibrator in the praying mantis position?
Yes, a small vibrator can sit between the hip pillow and the receiving partner's body. The receiving partner's own weight holds it in place, so neither partner needs a free hand. The receiving partner can reach underneath to adjust the pressure or switch it off.
