It’s no secret that cowgirl (or cowboy, or cowperson, or partner-on-top) is one of guys’ all-time favorite sex positions, and it’s not just because it provides a spectacular view from below. When your partner is on top, they can take full control of the rhythm and speed of sex, allowing them to maximize their pleasure while you get to go along for the (literal) ride.
If your partner has a vulva, there’s a higher chance of orgasm when they’re on top due to the direct contact between their external clitoris and your body—all that grinding can make a big difference. If friction doesn’t get them off, cowgirl also frees up their hands to hold a vibrator on their clit as they ride you.
Now, just because you’re on the bottom, it doesn’t mean you can play the dead fish. Half of good sex is enthusiasm and participation. Assuming your partner is into you getting in on the action, you can try thrusting from the bottom (a.k.a. “topping from the bottom”), stimulation their external clitoris with a hand or toy, caressing their breasts, or even engaging in some hot making-out, depending on your positioning.
Another cowgirl tip: Remember, it’s not all about the rider moving up and down. Honestly, that causes a lot of thigh burn. For maximum pleasure, have your partner try sliding back and forth in this position. Trust us, you’ll thank us later when they’re hella enthusiastic about being on top more often.
That’s not the only adjustment that can make this position even more enjoyable for all parties involved. Variations on cowgirl help to keep sex interesting, hot, and explorative. This isn’t as complex as it sounds. Slight tweaks on the classic position can be enough to up the pleasure you get from this position in a big way. If you’re looking to get your cowgirl on, here are some simple and fun ways to change it up.
1) Classic Cowgirl
How it works: You lie on your back. Your partner straddles you, sitting on you like a horse. Their knees and shins are pressed to the bed.
Why it’s good: Your partner gets to take control. They can also tilt back or forward, controlling the depth of penetration and potential G-spot stimulation.
2) Squatting Cowgirl
How it works: It’s similar to cowgirl, only instead of your partner straddling you, they have their soles planted on the bed in a squatting position.
Why it’s good: With this position, you can grab your partner by the butt and thrust deep. So even though they’re on top, you’re in control of the speed and motion. You also get a lot of leverage in this position, which makes it both visually appealing and less of a thigh burnt than a classic reverse cowgirl position.
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 it works: This one’s just like the classic cowgirl, however, instead of your partner facing you, they’re facing away from you.
Why it’s good: It’s all booty, right in your face.
4) Leaned-Back Reverse Cowgirl
How it works: Start in reverse cowgirl and then have your partner lean all the way back, so their back is against your chest and their forearms are resting on your sides.
Why it’s good: While thrusting, you can also cup your partner’s breasts and play with their clitoris. If you do this position right, you can hit multiple erogenous zones. (Note: your partner will need loose quads in order to pull this position off.)
5) Dead Man’s Cowgirl
SABAH SHAMS
How it works: 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 it works: The crab is similar to squatting cowgirl, only your partner leans back and supports their weight on their arms.
Why it’s good: This position can really allow for deep penetration, 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) Man Missionary
How it works: It’s like missionary, but with you on your back. Your legs should be kept together, and your partner’s legs should be straddling your sides. The easiest way to get into this position is to start in classic cowgirl and then have your partner lean forward.
Why it’s good: It’s a very intimate position that allows for kissing.
7) The Lotus
How it works: 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.
8) Sideways Straddle
How it works: This one looks more complicated than it actually is. Lie on your back with one of your your knees bent. The soul of your foot should be on the bed. Have her straddle the bent knee while facing away from you. From there, she can insert your penis inside of her and start grinding.
Why it’s good: This position, to be honest, is more for her than it is for you. There isn’t too much thrusting, but she can get organic clitorial stimulation by rubbing herself up against your leg, while bouncing up and down on you.
9) The Face Sit
How it works: It’s like reverse cowgirl, only your partner is riding your face.
Why it’s good: In my humble opinion, this is the hottest position for oral sex if your partner has a vulva. It’s also great if your partner likes to be dominant in the bedroom.
10) Reverse Face Sit
How it works: It’s basically the reverse cowgirl of face sitting.
Why it’s good: This position is great for analingus, if you and your partner are into it. Also, if you’re an ass man, your partner’s booty will literally be inches away from your face.
11) Chair Sex
How it works: While sitting in a chair, have your partner straddle you, face to face.
Why it’s good: This position allows for thrusting and grinding, and it’s great if your partner’s legs aren’t always up for squatting or deep straddling. It’s also an intimate position that lends itself well to kissing and eye contact.
12) The Octopus
How it works: Sit on the bed with your hands stretched behind your back to support yourself. Your legs should be stretched out in front of your body. Have your partner lie on their back, in front of your crotch. Then raise their legs over your shoulders. From there, your partner can scooch closer, and you can start penetration.
Why it’s good: First off, it’s not as hard as it may look, but you’ll feel like a sex pro. Just take your time getting into the position. It’s good because you can grab your partner by her thighs and really thrust yourself into them, allowing for super-deep penetration.