The Four Points, One Bar uses a spreader bar with four bondage points to bind all of the wrists and ankles behind the back in an extreme, exposing position.
Before getting into this sex position, if possible, we recommend placing all four cuffs on the to-be-bound partner's wrists and ankles before starting. Once done, the cuffed person should lay on their stomach. They should then bend their legs at the knees, pulling their ankles towards their head. Their partner can help position the ankles where they're needed as they fasten the ankles into the spreader bar. Once there, the bound partner should try to reach their wrists to their knees, grabbing onto the spreader bar for additional support if possible. Their partner can then fasten the wrists onto the spreader bar.
Ensure the bound partner's wrists aren't under a lot of tension when attached to the spreader bar before leaving them in this position. Cuffs pressing into the sensitive sides of the ankles and wrists can cause nerve impingement.
The bound partner's partner should also ensure that they're able to release their "captive" from the Four Points, One Bar position within seconds in case of emergency.
Ensure these things before moving on to play in the Four Points, One Bar position.
More About Four Points, One Bar Bondage Sex Position
The Four Points, One Bar position appeals to a bound partner's sense of submission and vulnerability. The extreme bend, plus the difficult to unfasten the wearer's own restraints, can make this position feel very exposing. The bound partner's spread knees can add to that, allowing for easy access between the thighs while fastened in this position.
Some people may also fall in love with this bondage position because of the difficulty. For some kinksters, "suffering through" a difficult position is part of the challenge that helps them achieve their relaxed, in-focused head space.
The Dangers of the Four Points, One Bar Position
As a modified Hogtie position, the Four Points, One Bar position shares the same potential dangers as the Hogtie position. That is, the position requires an immense amount of back flexibility, and all of the pressure of this bowed position can make breathing very, very difficult (or even impossible!).
All of this is compounded by the design of spreader bars with built-in cuffs like the STRICT Spreader Bar shown in the position illustration. While there's nothing wrong with a spreader bar with built-in cuffs, the built-in design means the cuffs are located directly on the spreader bar with no way to decrease the required backbend by moving the cuffs apart from one another. A spreader bar with detachable, dangling cuffs can be used with additional tethers to reduce the extreme angle of the Four Points, One Bar position.
While a person in bondage should never be left alone, that rule is even more important to the Four Points, One Bar position. It can only take a few seconds for the pressure of the position to go from "uncomfortable" to "very difficult to breathe". When that happens, the bound person needs to be released in seconds, and they may not have the air capacity to yell out for help.
The position of the Four Points, One Bar position can be screened before adding bondage. Lay on the floor on your stomach. Use the same surface you'll be using for your future play; hard floors or super plushy floors can make this more difficult. Once there, attempt to grab your feet with your hands while moving all four limbs into the centerpoint of your body, right behind your butt. For most people without a confident backbend, this will be difficult (if not impossible!). Even yogis often use straps to achieve this position. Once there, pay attention to your breathing to ascertain whether you're comfortable with the Four Points, One Bar position.
Because of all of this, the Four Points, One Bar position should NEVER be attempted by yourself. This position is one of the most dangerous positions for solo bondage; not only does it cause breathing restrictions, but it's also very, very difficult to unfasten yourself once your muscles have fatigued. (This position is a common centerpoint of ER calls from bondage!) Another person always needs to be present to unfasten your body or reach emergency services. If you'd like to explore multi-limb bondage while solo, consider other spreader bar positions like the Advanced X or Inverted X positions.
Modifying the Four Points, One Bar Position
Like the Hogtie position, the Four Points, One Bar position places a lot of strain on the body. The arms and thighs are held at unnatural angles under tension while places pressure on the entire posterior chain. This also has the side effect of pressing the ribcage and stomach firmly into the surface below, becoming the sole resting place for the entire person's body weight. Aside from being uncomfortable, this can also make breathing extremely difficult.
Because of this strain, the Four Points, One Bar position should always be done with open communication. Gags add additional dangers to the position. Instead, focus on clear, open communication throughout the position. Especially if the position is a strain for the bound partner, a conversation may be difficult, but regular verbal check-ins - and erring on the side of unbinding someone if anything feels "off" - can reduce the risk of this position.
The Four Points, One Bar position isn't a great position for all people - and that's okay! Bondage is supposed to be enjoyable and fit within the risk profile you set for yourself. We have loads of other great bondage sex positions that may be a better fit for the fun you're looking to have. (For an easy "win", the Leapfrog bondage position uses the same four-point spreader bar bind but without a lot of the dangers!)
If you'd still like to try the Four Points, One Bar position, these modifications can help make it more accessible:
- Purchase a Spreader Bar with Removable Cuffs. While we love the idea of a "one and done" purchase too, a spreader bar that offers removable cuffs will give you more options. Not only does it allow you to add other accessories to make this position more achievable, but it also reduces the initial strain as well as the cuffs will have a few inches of space between the spreader bar and the cuff.
- Add Tethers. If your spreader bar has removable cuffs, you can add a tether at any point on the spreader bar. This allows you to add more space between the wrists and the ankles to reduce the strain on the back, allowing for easier breathing.
- Use a Second Spreader Bar. Instead of aiming for a single spreader bar, placing both halves of the body on their own spreader bar can virtually eliminate back strain. You're still looking at some required flexibility from the shoulders, though!
- Try Different Surfaces. Softer (or firmer) surfaces may make this position easier. Too firm, and it will likely make it more difficult to breath. Too soft, and the person may find their face shoved into the surface, also making it difficult to breathe.
- Experiment with Different Positions. While the Four Points, One Bar, as shown, has the person laying on their stomach, it certainly doesn't have to! If the spreader bar's length allows for it, this position can be done while the person lies on their side, reducing some of the breathing concerns.
Even with these modifications, we strongly suggest a thorough stretch and warm-up routine before getting into the Four Points, One Bar position. The strain on the shoulders, lower body, and back will be immense, and the last thing you want is for a muscle cramp to force your scene to an unexpected end. Reduce the chance of injury, pulled muscles, and cramps by doing a full-body warm-up that focuses on these areas before play.
