10 Missionary Sex Positions That Are Anything But Boring
Expert-approved variations that prove missionary is one of the most versatile positions out there.
Missionary sex has a bit of a PR problem. Somewhere along the way, it became shorthand for “boring,” despite being one of the most versatile sex positions out there. Sure, it's probably one of the first sex positions most people try, but that doesn't mean you've exhausted everything it can do. In fact, there are tons of missionary sex positions that can completely change how the position feels, whether you're looking for deeper penetration, more clitoral stimulation, easier access for a vibrator, or just a different angle that hits way better.
And despite its basic reputation, missionary has something a lot of other sex positions don't: built-in intimacy. “You can connect on a deeper level with your partner simply by looking into their eyes, feeling the beat of their heart, or listening to their breathy moans and groans of pleasure,” says sexologist Marla Renee Stewart, MA, sexpert for Lovers.
The best part is that you don't have to abandon everything that makes missionary great to make it feel new. Sometimes all it takes is shifting your hips, changing where your legs go, or adding a sex toy to completely change the sensation. Ahead, you'll find 10 missionary sex positions to try, from subtle tweaks to more adventurous variations involving power play, sex swings, and more.
The Standard Missionary
How to Do It: The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread. The giving partner lies on top, between their legs, to enter. The giver can support themselves on their hands or forearms.
Pros: Maximum skin-to-skin contact, plenty of eye contact, and deep penetration. Plus, pretty much everyone already knows the drill.
Cons: This position may not provide enough clitoral stimulation for some people. Add a hand or a toy, or focus on clitoral stimulation before, during, or after penetration.
Switch It Up: The giver can occasionally pull out between strokes and glide along the receiver's vulva instead. If you're having anal sex, the same idea works by sliding between the receiver's cheeks.
Make It Hotter: A vibrating cock ring can take this position from really good to holy shit. Or, if either partner wants extra clitoral stimulation, add a vibrator at the same time.
The Mating Press
How to Do It: It's missionary, but the receiver's legs are up toward their shoulders. The giving partner presses their body into the receiver with each thrust. “Think of this as missionary's deeper, filthier cousin,” says Plumb.
Pros: “It's intense, intimate, and allows for seriously deep penetration,” says Evie Plumb, sex educator and founder of Cliterally the Best. “Great for eye contact—or pressing your partner into the mattress.”
Cons: The penetration can be very deep, which may not be comfortable for everyone. Start slowly, check in with each other, and adjust the angle or depth as needed.
Switch It Up: The mating press can naturally lend itself to power play. If that's something you're both into, try incorporating a simple Dominance and submission dynamic, like the giver pinning the receiver's wrists (with enthusiastic consent, of course).
Make It Hotter: The mating press is a favorite for some people with breeding kinks because of the deep penetration and close, body-to-body positioning. If that's part of the appeal, lean into the psychological side of the fantasy—the intensity, intimacy, and feeling of being completely wrapped up in each other. If no one has a penis (or you're trying it while pegging), an ejaculating dildo is another option.
Spreadeagle
How to Do It: “In this variation, the receiving partner lies on their back with their arms and legs fully spread, offering a sense of vulnerability that can feel deeply connective,” says Plumb. The giving partner enters while supporting themselves slightly above the receiver.
Pros: Great for deep penetration. Because the giving partner is supporting their own weight, there's also plenty of room for the receiver to use their hand or a toy for clitoral stimulation.
Cons: If you're hoping for clitoral stimulation, you'll probably need to add it yourself. The good news? This position leaves plenty of room to do exactly that.
Switch It Up: For even more space for hands or toys, the giving partner can sit back on their knees while the receiver drapes their legs over their partner's thighs.
Make It Hotter: Instead of rushing straight to penetration, build anticipation. Kiss your way down your partner's body, spend extra time on the inner thighs, tease them just enough to leave them wanting more, then finally give them what they've been waiting for.
The Floating Missionary
How to Do It: Try weightless missionary with a sex swing. The receiver sits in the swing with their feet in the stirrups and their hands holding the straps. The giver stands to enter, pulling their partner close while thrusting.
Pros: Sex swings open up new angles, make thrusting easier, and can be especially helpful for people with mobility limitations.
Cons: You'll need a sex swing (sorry!), though plenty of options don't require drilling holes or permanently turning your bedroom into a dungeon.
Switch It Up: The receiver can take more control by wrapping their arms around their partner and pulling them closer, adjusting the depth and pace as they go.
Make It Hotter: Sex swings naturally lend themselves to power play. If that's something you're both into, wrist cuffs or other consensual restraints attached to the swing can heighten the experience.
The Jackknife
How to Do It: The receiving partner lies on their back with one leg extended alongside their partner's body and the other bent toward their chest. The giver lies on top to enter and can hold the receiver's bent leg for extra support.
Pros: The slight change in angle can make penetration feel completely different. The receiver can also adjust their hips to create more friction against their partner's pubic bone or experiment with different angles.
Cons: Holding one leg up can get tiring after a while. Feel free to switch legs or lower both whenever it becomes uncomfortable.
Switch It Up: The giver can pay extra attention to the receiver's raised leg with kisses—or, if you're both into it, suck on their toes.
Make It Hotter: The giver can rise onto their knees for deeper penetration and a better view for both partners.
The X Spot
How to Do It: The receiver lies on their back with their arms and legs spread in an X shape. The giver supports themselves on their knees and forearms, hovering above the receiver so there's minimal contact beyond groin-to-groin.
Pros: This position puts the focus almost entirely on the sensation of penetration.
Cons: Holding yourself up can get tiring for the giving partner, so don't be surprised if they need a break or want to lower their body after a while.
Switch It Up: Skip the dirty talk for a minute and just maintain eye contact as you move together.
Make It Hotter: Or try the opposite: Close your eyes and focus on every sensation, communicating what feels good through touch, breathing, and whatever sounds come naturally.
The Dirty Dangle
How to Do It: The receiver lies on their back on an elevated surface, like a sturdy table or counter. The giver stands to enter while the receiver wraps their legs around their partner.
Pros: Deep penetration, plus plenty of room for the receiver to use their hand or a toy.
Cons: The penetration may feel too deep for some people. If that's the case, the receiver can bend their knees toward their chest to help control the depth.
Switch It Up: This position works just as well for anal sex or oral sex.
Make It Hotter: This position is practically made for a quickie. Just make sure whatever surface you're using is sturdy and secure before things get carried away.
The Purring Kitty
How to Do It: In CAT (aka the Coital Alignment Technique), the giver shifts slightly higher than they would in standard missionary. Once they're inside, the giver lifts their hips and grinds their pubic bone against the receiver's clitoris in slow, controlled movements.
Pros: That small shift creates more direct clitoral stimulation. For people who don't usually orgasm from penetration alone, it can make a noticeable difference.
Cons: It still might not provide enough stimulation for everyone. If that's the case, enjoy it for a while, then switch to whatever usually gets you there.
Switch It Up: Experiment with different hip movements. Circles, side-to-side motions, or slow up-and-down grinding can all create slightly different sensations, so don't be afraid to see what feels best.
Make It Hotter: Add plenty of lube and let your bodies glide against each other as you move.
Shoot the Moon
How to Do It: The receiver lies on their back with their hips at the edge of the bed and their knees bent toward their chest. The giver stands at the edge of the bed, holds the receiver's ankles, and enters.
Pros: Because the giver can easily adjust the receiver's leg position, it's simple to change the angle of penetration until you find what feels best.
Cons: The receiver has less physical control in this position. If they'd like more say in what's happening, don't be shy about giving directions: “A little slower,” “Open my legs wider,” “Right there.”
Switch It Up: The giver can bring the receiver's legs closer together, spread them wider apart, or straighten them toward the ceiling. Experiment until you find the angle that has you both making incoherent noises.
Make It Hotter: Finish by having the receiver use their hand or a toy while the giver watches. Or better yet, have them join in.
The Lock and Load
How to Do It: The receiver lies flat on their back with their legs pressed together. The giver lies on top with their legs on the outside of the receiver's.
Pros: Keeping the receiver's legs together creates a snugger feeling that can make every stroke feel more intense. It's also a great option for people using a smaller penis or strap-on, since it can make penetration feel fuller.
Cons: Getting into position can be a little tricky when the receiver's legs are already together. Try starting in standard missionary, then bring the legs together once you're comfortable.
Switch It Up: If the receiver has a vulva, angle your bodies so their clitoris glides against their partner's penis or strap-on with each stroke.
Make It Hotter: The receiver can slowly roll their hips to create even more friction as you move together.
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