WHEN IT COMES to sex positions, cowgirl usually ranks among people’s top favorites. It’s simple, and offers the person on top control over their motions and sensations. One study in Sexual Medicine found that “face to face/female above” was one of people’s top three most frequently used positions, and the more women had sex in this position, the more frequently they orgasmed.
For those who don’t know, the cowgirl position is essentially when someone with a vulva straddles their partner, who is lying down on the bed. “Cowgirl is a popular position for many women and indeed men, and it’s easy to understand why,” says Anna Richards, sex educator and founder of the erotic ethical porn site FrolicMe. “Even just the name sums up the fun and control of straddling up your lover for a hot orgasmic ride. Ultimately, the position is perfect for allowing the woman on top to be in command of the moment and in full control of the action as she quite literally rides her partner to her satisfaction.”
The person on top can adjust the depth, speed, and angle of penetration to their liking in this position. “Not only is it easy to manoeuvre into, but if you bend forward a little, it allows the clitoris to get the extra stimulation and friction it loves and be available to pleasure with a bullet or wand vibrator,” says Richards. “It’s also a favourite one for the guys too, allowing them to watch the action and see their lover’s facial expressions while they writhe on their cock in ecstasy as their orgasm grows.”
Woman on top (or partner on top) sex positions
These cowgirl-inspired sex positions work with vaginal and anal intercourse, so you can give them a try no matter what you’re working with.
1) Classic cowgirl
How to do it: The giver lies on their back. The receiving partner straddles them, sitting on them like they’re riding a horse. The receiving partner’s knees and shins are pressed to the bed.
Why it’s good: The receiver gets to take control. They can also tilt back or forward, controlling the depth of penetration and potential G-spot stimulation. Classic cowgirl is also great if the giver’s penis is on the smaller side. (For more small penis sex positions, head here.)
2) Squatting cowgirl
How to do it: It’s similar to cowgirl, only instead of the receiving partner straddling the giver, they have their soles planted on the bed in a squatting position.
Why it’s good: With this position, the giver can grab their partner by the butt and thrust deep. So even though the receiver is on top, the giver is in control of the speed and motion. Squatting cowgirl is also optimal for bringing in toys. We’d suggest bringing in a bigger toy with a long handle (like a Magic Wand) so the receiver can rest their elbows on their knees while still stimulating their clitoris.
3) Reverse cowgirl
How to do it: This one’s just like the classic cowgirl, however, instead of the receiving partner facing the giver, they’re facing away from them.
Why it’s good: It’s all booty, right in the giver’s face.
4) Leaned-Back Reverse Cowgirl
How to do it: Start in reverse cowgirl. From there, the receiving partner leans all the way back, so their back is against the giver’s chest and their forearms are resting on the giver’s sides. (The receiver can either keep their knees bent – if they have loose quads – or plant their feet on the bed if it’s more comfortable, as pictured.)
Why it’s good: While thrusting, the giving partner can also cup the receiver’s breasts and play with their clitoris. If you do this position right, you can hit multiple erogenous zones.
5) Dead man’s cowgirl
How to do it: The receiver starts in a classic cowgirl position. Then, they swing one leg at a time around so that both are straight out behind them, on either side of the penetrating partner’s outstretched legs. The receiver will essentially be completely flush with their partner’s body, while their partner’s penis or dildo is still inside of their vagina. This position can take a bit of maneuvering, so take your time swinging your legs around and next to your body. If it doesn’t work the first time, you can always try again.
Why it’s good: This position allows for a very unique sort of shallow penetration. In most instances, the penis or dildos won’t be able to penetrate more than a few inches. It can feel really intense and quite unique compared to other forms of stimulation. When sliding up and down their partner’s body, the receiver gets a lot of direct contact to their clitoris.
5) The crab
How to do it: The crab is similar to squatting cowgirl, only the receiving partner leans back and supports their weight on their arms.
Why it’s good: This position can really allow for deep penetration and G-spot stimulation, but it can also be tough, physically. Start slow to see if it works for you two. If it doesn’t, switch back to squatting cowgirl.
6) The lotus
How to do it: To get into the lotus position, you need to sit down with your legs crossed and pulled in close to your body. Your partner should then sit on top of you, facing you. Then they can either wrap their legs around you or place them by your sides. You should hold onto their back to help support them and to keep your bodies close together.
Why it’s good: This position doesn’t allow for much thrusting, but it’s another intimate pose that allows for hugging, kissing, caressing, and heavy eye contact.
7) Sideways straddle
How to do it: The penetrating partner lies on their back with one of their knees bent. The soul of their foot should be on the bed. The receiver straddles the bent knee while facing away from the giver. From there, the giver can enter the receiver, and the receiver can start to grind.
Why it’s good: The receiver can stimulate their clitoris by rubbing up against the giver’s bent leg. It’s a great position for vulva-owners who get off by grinding. Plus, the giver can lie back and enjoy the ride.
8) The face sit
How to do it: The receiver straddles the giver’s face for cowgirl-style oral sex.
Why it’s good: This position is super comfortable for the giver – and it’s ideal if the receiving partner likes to be dominant in the bedroom.
9) Face off
How to do it: The giver sits on the edge of the bed or in a chair. The receiving partner straddles them, face to face.
Why it’s good: This intimate position has tons of skin-to-skin contact, and it’s great for making out and passionate eye-gazing.
10) The octopus
How to do it: The penetrating partner sits on the bed with their hands stretched behind their back to support themselves, and their legs out straight. The receiving partner lies on their back, in front of the giver’s crotch, and raises their legs over the giver’s shoulders. From there, the receiving partner can push themselves up and scoot closer, and you can start penetration.
Why it’s good: It’s not as hard as it may look, but you’ll feel like a sex pro. It’s also great for deep penetration and G-spot stimulation.
11) The lazy man
How to do it: The penetrating partner sits with their back against the headboard and their legs outstretched. The receiving partner straddles the giver with their feet planted on the bed. From here, they can bounce up and down on the giver’s shaft, or try more of a grinding motion – whatever feels best.
Why it’s good: With your faces so close together, this position is super intimate. It also puts the receiving partner in control.
12) Snow angel
How to do it: This one takes some careful maneuvering, so go slowly! Start in reverse cowgirl, with the giver lying on their back and the receiver straddling them, facing away. From here, the receiver can lean their upper body forward until they’re resting on their elbows, and stretch their legs back. From here, the receiver can rock their body back and forth, almost like they’re doing a plank body saw.
Why it’s good: The giver gets an awesome view of the receiver’s rear end.
13) The hot seat
How to do it: The giver sits on a chair. The receiver straddles the giver – facing away – and lowers themselves onto the giver’s lap. Once the giver is inside the receiver, the receiver can move up and down or grind back and forth – whatever feels good.
Why it’s good: Everyone’s hands are free to bring in toys! The receiver can use a vibrator on their own clit or penis (see: our favorite penis vibrators), or the giver can reach around and do the job for them.
14) The lazy woman
How to do it: Get into the typical cowgirl position, and the partner on top leans forward so that their chest is touching their partner’s. They don’t have to move; their partner thrusts up into them.
Why it’s good: This is good for when the so-called cowgirl is getting tired and needs a break. It’s also very intimate; you can kiss with your faces so close together.
15) Side saddle
How to do it: The person on top faces to the side so that they’re perpendicular to their partner, with their legs bent in front of them and their hands behind them for balance.
Why it’s good: This position lets the partner on top squeeze their legs together, which can add friction and intensify stimulation for both parties. The person on the bottom can help keep their partner steady by grabbing their legs or butt.
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health US.
Related:
A List of 30 sexual kinks and fetishes we know you’re curious about
The sexual position ‘scientifically proven’ to make women climax the most
