25 Different Sex Positions & What They’re Good For

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Sensual moves to spice things & see your partner from a new angle

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1 Missionary

2 Doggy Style

3 The Flat Iron

4 Face-Off

5 Cowgirl

6 Reverse Cowgirl

7 Spooning

8 Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)

9 Stand and Deliver

10 The Seashell

11 The Lotus

12 The Pearly Gates

13 Happy Baby

14 The Pretzel

15 Leapfrog

16 Ballet Dancer

17 Little Dipper

18 Standing Wheelbarrow

19 Pinball Wizard

20 Waterfall

21 Hot Seat

22 Stairway to Heaven

23 Yourself on the Shelf

24 Butter Churner

25 Mountain Climber

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Co-authored by Gabrielle Kassel and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: August 26, 2026 Fact Checked

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Whether you’re relatively inexperienced when it comes to sex or you’re a veteran looking for a novel challenge, the positions you choose can have a big impact on your comfort and pleasure. But with nearly endless options out there, how do you choose what to try? To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 25 sex positions to try, starting with the basics and progressing to more athletic options at the end. Grab your partner and keep scrolling—your new favorite position awaits!

Note: We’ll refer to the penetrating partner as the giver or giving partner, and the partner being penetrated as the receiver or receiving partner. While some of these positions will be more pleasurable for folks of specific genders, anyone of any gender identity can try these moves!

What are the best sex positions?

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The best sex position to choose depends on your needs and the needs of your partner. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a challenge, here are the best moves to try:

• The basics: Missionary, doggy style, the flat iron, face-off
• For comfort: Spooning, coital alignment technique, stand and deliver
• For the receiver taking control: Cowgirl, the Little Dipper, waterfall
• For an athletic challenge: The butter churner, mountain climber, standing wheelbarrow

Steps

1

Missionary

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1. 
   Missionary is a tried-and-true position for beginners or veterans alike. There’s a reason this simple move is a classic! Have the receiving partner lie down on their back with the giver on top, facing them chest-to-chest. The position allows for eye contact and face-to-face intimacy, making for a passionate and communicative experience.

   • Best for: Intimacy, eye contact, deep penetration, comfort
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, raise your legs over your partner’s shoulders for deeper penetration (a pillow under your hips can help).
   • Pro tip: According to sex and relationship expert Gabrielle Kassel, “A couple who enjoys missionary sex might invest in a sex pillow or wedge, which can go under the bottom partner's hips and alter the angle of the penetration.”
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2

Doggy Style

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1. 
   This simple, classic position lets the giving partner assert dominance. Have the receiving partner get on all fours and have their partner kneel and enter them from behind. The giver can keep their upper body straight or hunched over the receiver’s back for a closer, more intimate feel. In this position, the giving partner has control over the depth and speed of penetration, and the downward angle of the giver’s penis or dildo to their partner’s hips makes it easier to hit the G-spot.

   • Best for: G-spot stimulation, deep penetration
   • Make it hotter: Have either partner use their hands or a vibrator to caress the receiver’s erogenous zones, like their nipples, clitoris, or penis.

3

The Flat Iron

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1. 
   This easy move is comfortable for both partners (and great for dirty talk). The receiving partner will lie face-down on the bed with their legs straight while the giving partner lies down on top of them and enters from behind. Try placing a pillow underneath the receiver’s hips to find an angle that feels great and allows for easy penetration.

   • Best for: G-spot stimulation, comfort
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, lean in and whisper some dirty talk into your partner’s ear while you’re thrusting.
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4

Face-Off

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1. 
   The face-off is a simple but intimate position that leaves all hands free. Have the giving partner sit on the edge of a bed, chair, or couch. The receiver will sit in their lap, facing them and straddling them. The wide spread in the legs makes penetration easier and gives the receiver more control over the depth, ensuring that everyone is comfortable. Plus, both partners’ hands are free to roam all over each other’s bodies.

   • Best for: Kissing, eye contact, intimacy, comfort, control for the receiver
   • Make it hotter: Sustain eye contact or make out to up the passion and intensity.

5

Cowgirl

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1. 
   This classic position lets the receiver control the depth and speed of penetration. Have the giving partner lie down on their back, then have the receiving partner straddle them (facing each other) and lower themselves onto their penis or dildo. The receiver can then do whatever they like—move up and down, grind in circles, slide side to side, or anything that feels good.

   • Best for: G-spot stimulation, control for the receiver
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, spread your legs into a wider straddle for deeper stimulation. You can also use your free hands to touch your nipples (or your partner’s).
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6

Reverse Cowgirl

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1. 
   The reverse cowgirl offers a simple alternative to the cowgirl. Like in cowgirl, the giving partner will lie down on their back. This time, the receiving partner will straddle them with their back to their partner’s face (giving the giver a tantalizing view of their backside). The receiver can easily grab and direct the giver’s penis or dildo however they please and can move in whichever motion or pattern feels best for them.

   • Best for: Control for the receiver, comfort
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, stimulate your nipples or grab your partner’s waist for added support or guidance. As the receiver, switch between several different motions for variety.

7

Spooning

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1. 
   This cuddly and intimate position is great for snuggle sessions gone wild. Have both partners lie on their sides, facing the same direction (like you’re spooning). The receiver will bring their knees up slightly, while the giver enters from behind. The giving partner has more leverage in this position, allowing for deep penetration, and the cozy, laidback vibe makes this move great for a low-key session.

   • Best for: Deep penetration, comfort, cozy intimacy
   • Make it hotter: As the giving partner, use your free hand to stimulate your partner’s clitoris or penis while thrusting. You can also grab your partner’s waist and pull them in closer to you for extra intimacy.
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8

Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)

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1. 
   This clinically researched position makes it easier for partners with vulvas to orgasm. The CAT is similar to missionary position, but with the giving partner positioned farther up and slightly to the side (instead of lying chest-to-chest, the giver’s chest will be above one of the receiver’s shoulders). Have the receiver bend their knees at about a 45-degree angle to raise their hips and press their clitoris against the shaft of their partner’s penis or dildo.

   • Best for: Clitoral stimulation and orgasm
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, push upward while your partner thrusts down for added pressure. As the giver, try rocking back and forth or grinding in circles, in addition to thrusting up and down.
   • Pro tip: Sex educator Danielle Bezalel explains that “most people with vulvas, most women, are not going to reach orgasm through penetration alone. Consider turn-taking, where the person with the vulva orgasms first, then maybe the person with the penis orgasms or vice versa.”

9

Stand and Deliver

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1. 
   This simple move makes things easy and comfortable for both partners. Have the receiver lie at the edge of a bed or desk with their legs raised or folded into their chest. The giver will stand at the edge and grab the receiver’s ankles and enter them while standing. (The receiver can also rest their feet on the giver’s shoulders to open up their hips even more). This position is comfortable for most receivers and lets the giver have a full view of their partner’s body (as well as their penis entering them).

   • Best for: Deep penetration, comfort
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, boost your sensations by playing with your own nipples or genitals. You can also flex your thighs to have some control over the penetration.
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10

The Seashell

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1. 
   This enticing position requires some flexibility on the receiver’s part. Have the receiving partner lie on their back with their legs raised so that their ankles are near their head (or crossed behind their head, if they’re able). The giver can then enter from missionary position. The wide spread makes it easier to go deeper, and the giver’s pelvis will naturally grind against the receiver’s clitoris for added stimulation.

   • Best for: Clitoral stimulation, deep penetration
   • Make it hotter: Place a pillow underneath the receiver’s hips for added comfort and support. Passionate kissing is also a plus in this position.

11

The Lotus

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1. 
   This is an intimate and passionate position that opens up your hips. Have the giving partner sit cross-legged on the floor or the bed. The receiver will sit in their lap, facing them, and then wrap their legs around their torso. Then, both partners hug each other to bring themselves closer for support (and intense, face-to-face intimacy). The receiver’s hips will be stretched a bit wider than normal for deep penetration.

   • Best for: Eye contact, emotional intimacy, deep penetration
   • Make it hotter: Deep kissing and nipple play from either partner can make things even spicier.
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12

The Pearly Gates

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1. 
   This simple pose lets the giving partner be very hands-on. Have the giver lie on their back, then have the receiver straddle them (with their back to their face). The receiver then lies down on top of them, so their back is to the giver’s chest. The receiver can semi-support themselves with their elbows on the floor or mattress if the pressure on their partner’s chest is too much.

   • Best for: G-spot stimulation, lying down
   • Make it hotter: The giver’s hands are free to stimulate their partner’s nipples, clitoris, or penis. The receiver can also use a vibrator while they’re being penetrated simultaneously.

13

Happy Baby

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1. 
   This yoga-inspired pose helps relieve lower back pain for receiving partners. Have the receiving partner lie on their back and assume the happy baby pose (bend your knees into your chest and grip the outer edges of your feet to hold your legs apart). The giver can then kneel and enter. This position is great for those who like to lie on their back but experience lower back pain during sex.

   • Best for: Vaginal or anal penetration, G-spot stimulation, lower back relief
   • Make it hotter: Use a sex pillow or wedge pillow underneath the receiver’s hips to experiment with different angles. The giver can also help hold the receiver’s legs apart for extra support.
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14

The Pretzel

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1. 
   The pretzel provides a face-to-face alternative to doggy style. This position is simpler than its name might suggest. Have the receiver lie down on their side with the giver kneeling between and straddling their lower leg. The receiver’s top leg will rest on one of the giver’s thighs and/or around their waist. Rear entry can hurt the backs of some people with vulvas, so this side position allows them to be more comfortable (and facilitates eye contact, too).

   • Best for: Eye contact, emotional intimacy, deep penetration
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, use one or both hands to stimulate your partner’s clitoris or penis while thrusting.

15

Leapfrog

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1. 
   The leapfrog raises the receivers hips for easy, deep penetration. Have the receiver get on their hands and knees, then lower their head and arms down to the bed or floor while keeping their hips raised. (You can use a sex pillow under your pelvis for added support and comfort.) Then, the giving partner will kneel between their legs and enter from behind.

   • Best for: Deep penetration, targeting the G-spot
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, you can reach around to touch and stimulate the receiver’s clitoris or penis while thrusting. The receiver can also wear a hands-free vibrator or vibrating penis ring for added sensations.
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16

Ballet Dancer

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1. 
   This standing position is great for quickies, tight spaces, and easy penetration. Stand facing each other and have the receiver lift one leg and wrap it around their partner’s butt or thigh. The receiver can pull their partner toward them for support, or the giver can hold their leg up with their arm.

   • Best for: Showers, quickies, standing, tight spaces, easy penetration
   • Make it hotter: This position is comfortable in spaces like showers. If the receiver is very flexible, they can lift their leg over the giver’s shoulder for an extra athletic and novel pose.

17

Little Dipper

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1. 
   This athletic position gives the receiver control over pressure and speed. With the giver lying down, have the receiver get on top and straddle them, face-to-face. The giver will then put their hands behind them and lift themselves up from the couch or bed, raising and lowering themselves up and down their partner’s penis or dildo. This one will definitely wear out your triceps, so take breaks when needed (or, have the giver start thrusting up and down while you hold yourself steady).

   • Best for: Clitoral stimulation, athleticism
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, use your hands to play with the receiver’s penis or clitoris for added stimulation and pleasure.
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18

Standing Wheelbarrow

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1. 
   This exciting and calorie-burning position makes deep penetration easier. Have the receiver bend over so they’re on their hands and feet. Then, have the giver pick them up by their pelvis, with the receiver gripping the giver’s waist with their thighs for support. This position allows for deep vaginal penetration (and can give you a workout, too!).

   • Best for: Deep vaginal penetration, couples wanting novel or athletic positions
   • Make it hotter: Use dirty talk or pelvic floor contractions (as the receiver) to make this position even spicier. If your arms get tired, use the edge of a couch or bed for support.

19

Pinball Wizard

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1. 
   The pinball wizard is an exciting position that frees up the receiver’s hands. Have the receiver lie on the floor and assume a glute bridge position (raise your pelvis to the sky while keeping your feet flat on the ground). The giver will kneel between the receiver’s legs, supporting or lifting them up by the underside of the thigh. The wide spread of the receiver’s legs make penetration and deep thrusting easier, and the receiver can balance with one arm while using their other hand to touch their nipples or clitoris.

   • Best for: Deep penetration, viewing your partner from new angles
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, try placing a wedge-shaped pillow under your back for support so you can free up both hands. Both partners can also enjoy seeing each other’s bodies in action from new angles.
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20

Waterfall

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1. 
   This unique move puts the giver in a vulnerable (and tantalizing) position. Have the giver lie down on the edge of the bed and move their head and shoulders to the floor, keeping their buttocks, legs, and their lower back (depending on the height of the bed) on the mattress. The receiver can then straddle them, moving up and down as they please. The added headrush that the giver gets can add to the intensity of thor orgasm.

   • Best for: Control for the receiver, novelty, athleticism
   • Make it hotter: Put a pillow under the giver’s head for added comfort and support. As the receiver, if you get tired, try sitting and grinding on your partner to give your arms and quads a break.

21

Hot Seat

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1. 
   The hot seat is great for letting the receiver take control. Have the giver sit on the edge of the bed or a chair and plant their feet firmly on the floor. Then, have the receiver turn away from them and sit on their lap, between their legs, with the giver entering them from behind and below. The receiver takes on a more dominant role here, raising and lowering themselves to their liking.

   • Best for: Control for the receiver, G-spot stimulation
   • Make it hotter: As the receiver, reach underneath your partner’s legs to stimulate their scrotum, perineum, or the base of their penis. As the giver, reach around to touch your partner’s nipples for added pleasure.
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22

Stairway to Heaven

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1. 
   This easy position gives you more options for sex outside of the bedroom. All you need for this move is a staircase! Have the giver sit down on one stair, then have the receiver sit on top of them with the giver entering from behind. The stairs and railing give both partners plenty of things to hold onto for leverage, and with this simple move, you don’t have to make it all the way upstairs to get started.

   • Best for: Sex in new locations, those who need more leverage or hand holds
   • Make it hotter: The giver can reach around to stimulate the receiver’s penis or clitoris. It’s also best to try this one toward the bottom of the stairs (safety is sexy, after all!).

23

Yourself on the Shelf

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1. 
   This strenuous position makes for a great final move before orgasming. Essentially, this position involves holding and penetrating the receiving partner up while standing. Have the receiver sit on the very edge of the bed, then have the giver lift them up and enter them once standing. The receiver can wrap their legs around the giver’s waist or abdomen for support, while the giver holds the receiver’s back for extra security.

   • Best for: Standing, tight spaces, clitoral stimulation, strength and athleticism
   • Make it hotter: Since it’s a tough position to hold, get into it about a minute or less before you or your partner are about to orgasm. It’s a fun way to finish up a session!
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24

Butter Churner

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1. 
   This is a unique position for couples wanting to try something new. The butter churner may need some getting used to if you’ve never done it before! Have the receiving partner lie on the floor and lift their legs up over their head (they’ll be lying mainly on their upper back and neck). Then, have the giving partner squat over them and insert their penis or a dildo from above. If you’re the giver, remember to thrust lightly to avoid any potential neck or back injuries!

   • Best for: Novelty, athleticism
   • Make it hotter: Make eye contact in this unique vertical setup to make it feel more intimate. The novelty and headrush the receiver will get can also make this move feel more intense.

25

Mountain Climber

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1. 
   This athletic stance is great for eye contact and keeping weight off the receiver’s body. With the receiving partner on their back, have the giving partner assume a pushup position between the receiver’s legs with their hands on either side of the receivers shoulders. This stance takes the weight off of the receiver and lets the giver tease them with whatever thrust they please (just the tip, half in-half out, or all the way).

   • Best for: Eye contact, receiver comfort, teasing
   • Make it hotter: As the giver, you can lower yourself down to kiss your partner. As the receiver, you can rub your clitoris or your partner’s shaft with your hands to have more control over your pleasure.
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