Spreadeagle (position)

It is commonly used in Olympic weightlifting, cheerleading, freestyle skiing, gymnastics, basketball, swimming and dance such as contemporary ballet.

One of the simplest versions has the lower partner lying on their back facing upwards (supine) with their arms and legs spread wide apart.

It is a comfortable position for the receiving partner to maintain, though the person providing the stimulation may experience neck discomfort.

[16] Alternatively spreader bars are used to keep the wearer's legs or arms a set distance apart[17] and produce a spread eagle position[18] lying on the back or front.

[21] X-crosses are typically vertical if wall-mounted or lean back at a slight angle if freestanding,[22] and hence they restrain the subject in a standing spread eagle position.

[24] A spreader bar suspended from the ceiling provides wrist attachment points for a vertical spread eagle position, either standing or hanging.

[25] Spreader bars can also be used with subjects who are kneeling on all fours to give access to the buttocks, genitals and anal region.

[23] Using the technique known an honor bondage,[27] an unrestrained submissive may be commanded to assume a spreadeagle position, either standing with or without support or laying down, and not move.

[29] During the American Civil War, soldiers convicted of theft, sleeping on duty, or cowardice could be punished by being tied spreadeagled to a large wooden wheel for five to six hours.