Sex positions refer to the various arrangements and poses that individuals or partners assume during sexual activities. These positions can enhance physical pleasure, emotional intimacy, and experimentation in the realm of sexual relationships. They encompass a wide spectrum, catering to diverse preferences, body types, and levels of comfort. From intimate face-to-face positions that foster deep connection to more adventurous angles that provide new sensations, the exploration of different sex positions can contribute to a fulfilling and enjoyable sexual experience.
Basic Doggy Style or Rear Entry Sex Position
In the old days, before sex position advice could be found in every magazine and in every other episode of Sex in the City, the ear entry, or “doggy style” position was usually associated with anal intercourse and considered to be somewhat exotic or kinky. Now that sex positions are practically dinner table conversation, what’s an unusual sex position has changed, and there are plenty of popular sex surveys that suggest that this position is one of the most common and favored.
Basic Doggy Style Sex Position
In the basic position both people are on their knees. The partner penetrating from behind usually has their hands on their partner’s hips or bum, and the partner being penetrated is on their hands and knees.
Variations
You can achieve a lot of the same sensation and benefits of the rear entry position with one or both partners standing. If standing, the partner being penetrated can bend at the waist, spread their legs, and use a wall or piece of furniture to support themselves on.
A second is to have the partner being penetrated scoot to the edge of the bed, with their upper body on the bed, and their bum and legs off the bed.
A third variation, which can be shifted two if one or both people are feeling tired, is to have the partner doing the penetrating bend their knees so their bum is resting on their lower legs, and the partner being penetrated then also bends their knees, as if they are sitting on their partner’s lap. This position is easier on the legs, but a bit harder on the knees.
Pros:
- Many women say that this position facilitates g spot stimulation better than other positions.
- The person doing the penetration, is able to use their legs and hips and get a lot of energy into thrusting.
- This position also allows the person doing the penetration to use their hands, including easy access to add in anal stimulation or clitoral stimulation with a hand or a vibrator.
- Some people like the lack of face to face or eye contact this position facilitates.
Cons:
- If you’re doing this on your knees, it can be hard on them. You can use pillows to make it more comfortable.
- This position doesn’t allow you to be face to face with your partner. While some appreciate the fantasy and power elements of this, others prefer positions that more directly create a connection between partners.
Leg Action Sex Positions
This sex position is a combination of the woman on top sex position and the edge of the bed sex position but with the partner doing the penetration on bottom. In this sex position the penetrating partner is on their back, lying across a bed, with their hips on the edge of the bed but their thighs and legs dangling off the edge of the bed. The partner being penetrated is on top.
More about the Basic Leg Action Sex Position
This is not a beginner sex position. You need to have reasonably flexible legs and hips for this sex position, not a lot of strength but a wide range of motion.
What makes this position different is the type and source of motion. The partner on the bottom uses their hips and leg muscles to create the movement during penetration. It takes a little experimentation, but you writhe your legs and hips around, shaking them up and down, back and forth, and even rotating them.
Variations
As you experiment with this position, your partner, who is on top, can move to match the motion, and the chaotic-ness of it starts to make sense.
If you need extra traction or leverage, you can reach your arms up above your head and grab the end of the mattress.
You can also experiment by moving your legs and hips a lot, for a short burst of time, and then relaxing, but continue the penetration play. Notice how your body feels while you are still having penetration, but not moving as much.
Pros:
- This position is also a great way to relieve tension and stress in your hips and legs.
- It is also a great position for “letting loose” as you can move as much as you want, but your partner on top can still control things by moving their body in response to your movements.
- In your writhing and jerky leg motions you can really release a lot of the energy in your legs and pelvis that, for some men, stay surprisingly stiff during penetration.
Cons:
- With the amount of energy it takes, this isn’t a position you can maintain for a long time.
- This also isn’t a very intimate or gentle position.
- The position requires a fair bit of muscle strength.
Edge of the Bed Sex Position
Basic Edge of the Bed Sex Position
This position is as much about the furniture used as the actual positioning of bodies. One partner lies at the edge of a bed or in a big comfy chair, and brings their butt right up to the edge of the furniture. Their partner can either kneel or stand in between their legs and use their body to thrust or otherwise move.
Variations of Edge of the Bed Sex Positions
The partner being penetrated can be on their back with legs in the air or resting on their partner’s chest or shoulders.
They can be on their front with bum facing their partner for easy rear entry. Experiment with the way it feels to raise one leg, the other, or both.
If you are the partner lying down you can also grab on to the edge of the bed or chair and use your arms to leverage your body so you can rock back and forth or create movement.
Adding pillows can change the angle of penetration and also make furniture more comfortable.
Pros:
- This is a great position for people who live with fatigue. But it requires one partner to do most of the work.
Cons:
- Using furniture can resolve a lot of problems that come with partners of very different heights or body shapes or sizes. But in the basic position the partners don’t have a lot of physical body contact.
Great sex positions are ones that are comfortable, let you do what you want (by yourself or with partners), and don’t take away from your experience of sexual pleasure. Test your sex positions knowledge with our sex positions quiz or read on to learn more about edge of the bed sex positions.
Woman on Top Position
Who Is on Top?
This may be at once the most obvious and deceptive of sex position names. Obvious in that the name, woman on top, seems to tell you everything you need to know to get into this position. Deceptive because a sex position just describes how two (or more) bodies are in relation to each other when they are having sex.
The “woman on top” position could be done when there’s no woman at all, or where there was a woman, but she’s on the bottom (and maybe top as well).
None of this makes it less of a fun position, but it’s worth thinking about the way we use gendered terms even and how they might limit what we think our options are.
Basic Woman on Top Position
The basic position has the partner who is being penetrated sitting on top of the partner doing the penetration. The person on top is usually facing the person on the bottom and the most common version of this position has the woman sitting on top of her partner facing him/her, with her knees bent and shins on the ground.
Position Variations
Some people prefer to keep their feet on the ground so they are essentially squatting over their partner. If you have strong leg muscles you have more possibilities for moving up and down on your partner.
Another variation has the person on top facing away from their partner (so their bum is facing her partner). Some people will support themselves with their hands and use their arms to bring themselves up and down.
Pros:
- This sex position gives the person on top the greatest amount of control. You can control the pace of the thrusting, and the angle of penetration.
- If the partner on top has a clitoris then this position makes adding clitoral stimulation much easier.
- Vibrating rings, which are sex toys that can be worn at the base of a penis or a dildo and provide clitoral stimulation, are often most effective with this position.
Cons:
- For people who like a lot of thrusting penetration, this position can be unsatisfying. As well, for the time that the partner on top is actually sitting up, there is less body to body contact than other positions (it’s not very cuddly, if that’s what you are looking for).
More Ideas
Using pillows under the bum and even back of the person on bottom can change the amount of movement and control the person on the bottom has for thrusting.
Reverse Cowgirl Sex Positions
Basic Reverse Cowgirl Sex Position
This position seems to be most popular in porn, and it was probably there that it was given the descriptive and funny name “reverse cowgirl”. Needless to say the position works regardless of gender or occupation of the person on top. It is a variation of the woman on top position but with the partner on top facing away from the partner lying down.
Variations on the Reverse Cowgirl Position
If you like the idea of this position, think about how it will be most comfortable for you.
If you’re the “cowgirl” in this scenario, you can either have your legs bent at the knees and have your legs tucked under your thighs, or you can have your feet flat on the bed or floor, and use your leg muscles to move yourself up and down. You can be sitting up, or lean forward which can allow you to use your arms to support your weight and also for moving up and down.
Pros:
- As with any woman on top position, there is the benefit of having complete control of thrusting, angle, and movement.
- Other than that, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of strong following for this position. It does allow for the person on the bottom to have a particularly good view of their partner’s bum, and if you like to see yourself having sex, and have an appropriately placed mirror, the woman on top can see more than if she were lying down.
Cons:
- One partner is doing most of the work in this position, so you might not consider it completely equitable.
- If you like a lot of physical contact with penetration, this isn’t the position for you.
Right Angle Sex Positions
Basic Right Angle Sex Position
This position is a variation of both missionary sex positions and knees on chest sex positions. In this position the partner being penetrated lies flat on their back with one leg on the bed and the other raised in the air. The penetrating partner kneels between the thighs of their partner but straddles the leg that is lying flat on the bed. The penetrating partner then supports their partner’s one leg that is up in the air (which is making a sort of right angle to the other leg, giving this position its name).
Variations on the Right Angle Sex Position
The penetrating partner can change the feel of penetration by moving their partner’s leg, and by letting the knee bend or straightening it out.
You can also vary this position by having both legs up in the air, and the partner lying down resting their legs over the penetrating partner’s shoulders.
Pros:
- This position allows for deep penetration.
- Hands and arms free for touching.
- This position is face to face.
- This position is very visual as you get to see your partner’s upper body.
- A good choice for people who experience fatigue during sex.
Cons:
- The partner on the bottom has less control, most of the movement comes from one partner.
- This position requires good flexibility in the legs for the partner being penetrated, and good knees for the partner doing the penetration.
- The partner on top may be putting weight on the leg of the partner on the bottom.
- While there can be a lot of touching and grabbing, your upper bodies are not physically close in this position.
Kneeling Ball Sex Positions
Basic Kneeling Ball Sex Position
In this the partner being penetrated is lying on their side, and curled up cozy like (sort of like you’re curled up into a ball, but not necessarily so tightly). The partner doing the penetrating is on their knees facing the back of the person on their side curled up. Penetration is essentially from behind, only the two people are sort of perpendicular to each other.
More about the Kneeling Ball Sex Position
Most of the action in the kneeling ball sex position is coming from the hips of the partner on their knees, although the partner who is curled up can also move their hips to create motion.
This position may lend itself well to some elements of power play, as the partner on their knees is in a physical position of control, and has easy access to the arms and legs of the curled up partner, whereas the partner lying down is facing away from, and can’t really see, the partner on their knees.
Variations
If you adjust the angle of penetration, and also to some extent, the direction of penetration this position can provide clitoral stimulation during penetration and/or g spot stimulation.
You can also vary the feeling by having the lying down partner curl up and uncurl, as well as moving the legs of the lying down partner back and forth.
Pros:
- This is a very “giving” in that it offers the possibility for a lot of touching and loving attention paid to the partner lying down.
- Allows for variety in angle and depth of penetration.
- Lends well to elements of power play.
Cons:
- One partner is on their knees for a while, would not be good for anyone with knee problems.
- Most of the action comes from the hips and leg muscles, some strength is required to keep the action going.
- There is no face to fact contact in this position.
Raised Kneeling Sex Positions
This variation on a sitting sex position has one partner sitting in the other’s lap. The partner doing the penetration is kneeling, either with their legs tucked in, with their calves splayed out a bit. The partner being penetrated sits on the partner doing the penetration, with their legs wrapped around their partner and arms usually on their partners shoulders.
Variations on the Raised Kneeling Sex Position
You can easily turn this into a sitting position by having the kneeling partner straighten out their legs.
There are a lot of physical variations that can be achieved by the two partners holding on to each other’s arms and stretching back, away from each other.
You can change the way this position feels and the movement you can get by having each partner play with their own control of movement. The partner on top can move things by using their feet to move up and down, where the partner kneeling can raise and lower their legs from the kneeling position.
Pros:
- This position allows for a unique rocking stimulation and a lot of physical closeness.
- The partner on top has a lot of control but can allow much of their body to be supported by the partner on the bottom, making this a good position for someone living with fatigue who still wants to have control during intercourse.
Cons:
- The partner on the bottom needs to have strong knees and flexible legs.
Sitting Sex Position
There are many versions of the sitting sex position, but what they all share is a trade off of less movement for less energy expended. Many of us can comfortably get into a sitting sex position where other positions would be unsustainable. Whether it’s a question of need or want, if you’ve never had intercourse sitting down, you may want to give it a try. Details below.
Basic Sitting Sex Position
As the name suggests the basic position finds partners both sitting on their bums with the partner being penetrated having their legs wrapped over the legs of the penetrating partner (so it’s more like one person is sitting in the other’s lap, but they are facing each other).
The partner being penetrated can wrap their arms around their partner’s neck or hold on to their shoulders and use their partner’s weight as leverage to create movement. It must be said from the outset that this position is largely impractical although it may be perfect for some.
Variations
There are two main variations on the basic sitting sex position. The first is that the partners are facing in the same direction, so the partner being penetrated is in fact sitting in the lap of the other partner. In this variation the penetrating partner can hold on to the waist or hips of their partner and assist in movement.
A second variation, the raised kneeling sex position, adds significantly more opportunity for movement and leverage. In this variation the penetrating partner kneels with their bum on their heels, with the partner being penetrated sitting on their lap.
Pros:
There are very few pros to this position. It makes more appearances in movies and sex position manuals than it does in the sex lives of real people.
That said, every position has its admirers, and for some people this position, particularly when modified, can be just what works. Pros include:
- Facilitates a lot of physical contact, it’s like a giant embrace.
- Can be face to face, offering intimacy and the chance to see your partner.
- The lack of leverage means penetration is generally slower, a pace that may be preferred by some.
Cons:
- Requires very good knees, and could be quite hard on the knees
- Doesn’t allow for a lot of movement or thrusting
- Requires good balance
Doggy Style Hands and Feet Sex Positions
Basic Doggy Style Hands and Feet Sex Positions
In the basic doggy style or rear entry sex position both partners are on their knees and the partner being penetrated is leaning down towards the ground, resting on their arms or elbows. In the “hands and feet” variation, the partner being penetrated squats on the bed and then rests just on their hands and feet, with their bum in the air. The other partner enters them from behind.
Pros:
- This position makes both partners more physically active over traditional doggy style.
- This variation allows for more movement and control of speed and angle of penetration.
- Some women say that this position facilitates stimulation of their g-spot through penetration better than other positions.
- For the person doing the penetration, you are able to use your legs and hips and get a lot of energy into thrusting.
Cons:
- The position requires much more energy and strength for the partner being penetrated, it isn’t a “lazy” sex position at all.
- This position also requires a lot of balance as less of your body is on the bed.
- This position doesn’t allow you to be face to face with your partner.
Knees on Chest Sex Positions
Basic Knees on Chest Sex Position
The partner being penetrated lies on their back, and brings their knees to their chest. The partner doing the penetration can either kneel facing their partner (which puts their weight and balance on their legs), or have their legs stretched out and use their upper arms and hands for strength and balance. The partner doing the penetration can let their chest rest on the back of their partner’s thighs.
Variations
The legs of the partner on bottom can be held tightly together or spread far apart, each changing the feeling for both partners.
You can do thrusting penetration, relying on the penetrating partner to use their hips and legs muscles, or you can keep your bodies close and tight during penetration and rock back and forth or side to side.
The partner on top can have their hands on the bed, or can grab onto their partner’s feet or legs for traction.
Pros:
- If the bottom partner’s legs are together it can have the feeling of tightening during penetration.
- Penetration is very deep, and you are physically very close during penetration.
- It’s a good position for g spot stimulation.
- This position is face to face and very intimate.
Cons:
- The partner on the bottom has less control, most of the movement comes from one partner.
- If the person being penetrated has a large penis (or is using a large dildo) it can be too much because of the depth of penetration.
- The partner on top is putting a lot of weight on the partner on bottom, this may not be comfortable for a variety of people, particularly anyone with breathing difficulty.
Bum Lift Sex Positions
Basic Bum Lift Sex Position
In this position, which is a combination of the missionary and knees on chest sex positions, one partner kneels in front of the other and places their hands under the lying down partner’s bum, lifting them up and tilting their pelvis forward. This bum lift technique is great for improving how missionary sex feels as it allows you to adjust the angle of penetration, which is often a complaint with missionary position sex.
Variations
You can easily change the angle of penetration by raising or lowering the penetrated partner’s bum.
The partner being penetrated can bend their legs at the knee so their shins are pressing against the penetrating partner’s chest.
The partner doing the penetration can use both hands on their partner’s bum and move their partner around during penetration, using their own hips less and the bounce of the bed more (this works best on a firm mattress, not something too hard).
This position can be used with the partner being penetrated at the edge of the bed and the penetrating partner standing or kneeling on the floor.
Pros:
- Both partners can easily adjust their bodies even slightly for a significant change in angle and depth of penetration.
- Face to face position offers a lot of physical closeness and intimacy.
- Good position if the partner on the bottom lives with fatigue.
Cons:
- Partner on top has most of the control and is responsible for most of the movement.
- You need to have flexibility, balance, and strength if you are on top.
Leapfrog Sex Position
The leapfrog sex position doesn’t involve any actual leaping, but it’s a fun variation on doggy style sex position, and is sometimes recommended as a good sex position for pregnancy as well as for people with low back pain.
Remember there’s no magic position that will be right for everyone, a great sex position is one that you find comfortable and lets you do what you want.
Basic Leapfrog Sex Position
The receiver kneels down on the bed and lets their upper body lie on the bed with their knees bent and their bum up in the air. By spreading their knees apart or keeping them closer together they can adjust the height of their bum to line up to their partner. The penetrating partner kneels behind, facing the same way, and penetrates from behind. They can keep their hands on their partner’s hips or bum.
Variations
If the receiving partner positions themselves at the edge of the bed, the penetrating partner can stand on the floor instead of kneeling on the bed.
You can also do this position in a big soft chair, where the receiving partner kneels on the seat and has their upper torso over the back of the chair.
The receiving partner can use their forearms to prop themselves up into a regular doggy style position.
For more support the receiving partner can have a large pillow under their chest, which they can hug or grab onto.
Pros:
- The leapfrog doesn’t put any pressure on the belly, making it a comfortable choice for some women who are pregnant.
- This position can also be good for people with lower back pain.
- This position can lend itself well to power play (some people find the receiving position to be vulnerable and the penetrating position to be forceful in leapfrog).
- For the partner being penetrated, this is a position that doesn’t require much work.
Cons:
- If the receiving partner has a bad neck this isn’t likely to be very comfortable.
- This isn’t a face-to-face sex position, so some people feel it’s less intimate.
- Almost all of the energy comes from one partner, so if you’re looking for something more equitable, Leapfrog probably isn’t it.
Push Up Push Down Sex Position
This sex position may sound like an exercise (and it’s true that most intercourse involves some cardio workout), but there’s a twist. The push up, push down position requires the person on top, who is also the one being penetrated, to do most of the heavy lifting, or in this case heavy pushing.
Basic Position
This position is a variation on the missionary sex position. The big difference is that the partner on top is the one being penetrated.
But as with the missionary position, they are also doing most of the work and controlling the action. In this position the partner being penetrated is on top with their legs straddling the hips of the penetrating partner. They keep their hands on the forearms (or hands) of the partner on the bottom and use their arms to push themselves up and down during intercourse.
Variations
Placing a pillow under the hips of the partner on bottom makes penetration much easier and gives them more leverage.
The partner on top can do more than just rest their hands on their partner’s forearms, hands, or wrists. They can push down, restricting their partner’s movements. Be careful not to put your whole weight on the wrists, and if you’re in this position for a while move your hand position, but this is a great way to include some power play elements without the need for props.
Pros:
- This position gives the partner being penetrated a great deal of control (depth, speed, pace of penetration).
- The face to face position allows for a lot of body contact.
- This position easily incorporates a power play element of restriction for the partner on bottom.
Cons:
- This position doesn’t allow for a lot of movement or thrusting.
- Good balance is required.
- The partner on top also needs a lot of upper body strength.
