10 Different Ways to Do the Cowgirl Sex Position
Expert-approved variations on the classic to help you to master this rodeo.
As you may be aware, penetration alone isn’t a reliable path to orgasm for most people with vulvas, and many of the most common PIV sex positions leave something to be desired for those who need external stimulation to get there. But the cowgirl position is a notable exception. This classic sex position puts the receiving partner on top of the penetrating partner, which grants the “cowgirl” in question more control over thrust speed, depth, and rhythm, says sex expert and erotic filmmaker, Inka Winter, adding that this position also packs plenty of potential for clit stimulation.
“Cowgirl allows the clitoris to grind against a partner's pubic bone,” Winter explains. “That friction can make it easier for vulva owners to orgasm.” For those seeking more of said friction, Winter recommends focusing on grinding motions rather than bouncing ones: “Bouncing can be fun for G-spot sensation, but rocking the hips forward and backward or moving in circles creates more consistent clitoral contact.”
While the classic cowgirl is a classic for a reason, there are also plenty of variations for anyone looking to mix it up. Whether you’re seeking a modification to make this position work better for you or you’re just looking to try a fun twist on your favorite, here are 10 cowgirl sex positions that will have you saying “Yeehaw.”
Low Down Reverse Cowgirl
How To Do It: The penetrating partner (sometimes referred to as “the giver”) lies on their back and the receiving partner straddles them, facing away (“reverse cowgirl” style). Change it up with the receiving leaning forward towards their partner’s legs.
Pros: “Lying flat or pretty much on top of a partner’s legs can add extra grinding leverage for additional clitoral stimulation and overall pleasure for the top partner,” says sex and relationships therapist Sarah Kelleher.
Cons: Reverse cowgirl is often considered the most dangerous position because of the risk of penile injury. Leaning forward will help prevent the kind of jarring thrusts that are dangerous. Still, go slowly if a penis is involved.
Switch It Up: For (very careful!) deeper thrusts, the receiver sits up straight for classic reverse cowgirl.
Make It Hotter: Add some butt stuff. “It provides an amazing view of the butt for the bottom partner and allows for a finger in the ass or stimulation of the ass cheeks,” says Kelleher.
Reverse Chair Cowgirl
How To Do It: The giver sits on a chair and the receiver straddles and faces them, holding onto the arms of the chair.
Pros: “This creates a similar level of depth some folks experience in doggy,” says Kelleher. “This can provide stimulation to the upper wall of the vagina.”
Cons: Armless chair? The receiver can squat, holding onto the giver’s shoulders for leverage.
Switch It Up: Try it in front of a mirror and watch yourselves.
Make It Hotter: The giver has their hands free to ply their partner with a hand or toy.
The Seesaw
How To Do It: The giver lies flat on their back and the receiver straddles them. But instead of thrusting, a vulva-having receiver rocks their hips. On the upstroke, they slide the top wall of their vagina over the top of the giver’s penis/strap-on. On downstroke, slide down the underside.
Pros: The variation makes each stroke feel even more delicious to both people.
Cons: More possibility of slipping out, but less so if the receiver stays closer to their partner and uses shorter strokes.
Switch It Up: Reverse it for a slide up the underside of the penis/strap-on, down the top.
Make It Hotter: For more oomph for a receiver with a vulva, try putting some lube on your partner’s stomach or pubic mound. “Wherever my clitoris is resting on their body, I put a small pool of lube; it adds extra sensation and wetness to my clitoris as I move back and forth,” says Kelleher.
The Upside Down
How To Do It: The giver lies back comfortably. The receiver straddles them, knees on either side of their partner’s hips, hovering over their partner’s pelvis. The giver lifts their hips so they’re thrusting up into their partner.
Pros: Switches the dynamic, plus gives the receiver a pass on thrusting duties.
Cons: Hovering can be thigh-cramping. Can be more comfortable if the receiver rests their hands on their partner’s chest for extra leverage.
Switch It Up: The receiver is free to reach down and cup their partner’s balls (if applicable) or just stroke their chest.
Make It Hotter: …Or the receiver can slowly drip some lube over their genitals and let their partner watch as they stroke.
The Grinder
How To Do It: The receiver straddles their partner’s thigh and grinds away.
Pros: This is excellent for humpers and a great non-penetrative option.
Cons: Thighs are DRY. Use lube.
Switch It Up: Non-humpers can straddle their partner and use a hand or toy on themselves while their partner strokes their thighs.
Make It Hotter: The giver can masturbate to the excellent visuals happening right there on top of them.
The Pinocchio
How To Do It: The giver lies on their back with a pillow under their butt. The receiver squats over their legs, resting their hands on their partner’s chest. The movements are short, quick thrusts, almost a bouncing movement.
Pros: A pleasingly graphic view for the giver and that pillow magically adds two inches of length and with it, the feel of even deeper penetration.
Cons: Remember that part about broken penises? Don’t go too crazy on the thrusts.
Switch It Up: The giver can match the pace by rubbing their partner with short, quick strokes.
Make It Hotter: The receiver can tease the giver by lubing up their genitals or stroking their boobs while looking into their partner’s eyes. If you desire even deeper penetration, put a pillow under their butt and they will magically gain two inches of length. Rest your hands on their chest, squat over them with your knees spread, and give them the view of their life. If you want to get some cardio in, try some short, fast bounces that’ll put them over the edge.
The Hot Chair
How To Do It: The giver sits in an armchair. The receiver sits on top, facing their partner. The receiving partner puts their legs over the penetrating partner’s arms, resting their hands on their partner’s thighs. The penetrating partner pumps upward from underneath.
Pros: Amazing view for the giver. The angle also offers great G- or P-spot stimulation for the receiver.
Cons: The internal stimulation is great for the receiver, the external not so much. The giver can help out with a hand or toy.
Switch It Up: This works as a non-penetrative version too. Just reach down and stroke yourselves or each other.
Make It Hotter: Add a cock ring and have the receiver lean forward to feel more of the rumbly vibrations.
The On-Top Ruler
How To Do It: The giver sits on the edge of the bed. The receiver straddles their partner’s lap with knees on each side of the hips. The person on top holds onto their partner’s shoulder to propel themselves up, down, and around.
Pros: “This allows close body contact and easy clitoral grinding,” says Winter.
Cons: Being on top can be physically demanding. There’s no rule that you have to stay in one position the entire time. Switch to something else whenever you’d like.
Switch It Up: Describe what you’re seeing and feeling or just tell your partner how sexy you think they are. If that feels too awkward, just moan; they’ll get the idea.
Make It Hotter: The person on the bottom uses their mouth, hands, or a toy to give thanks to their partner as they move.
The Butterfly
How To Do It: The giver lies down and the receiver squats over their partner. The receiver opens and closes their legs to switch up the sensation.
Pros: A raw, more animalistic vibe. Plus,widening or narrowing the knees let you experiment with pressure and control, says Winter.
Cons: It can get tiring up there! The giver can bend their knees to give the receiver something to lean back on.
Switch It Up: Put the giver in charge of moving their partner’s legs.
Make It Hotter: Pop in a wearable couples’ toy and fire it up.
Reverse Cowdog
How To Do It: Get in reverse cowgirl position—giver on bottom, receiver straddling them and facing away. But instead of the giver lying down, they sit up and lean back on their hands.
Pros: “Facing your partner’s feet changes the angle of penetration and offers a different visual and physical experience,” says Winter. It’s kind of a cowgirl/doggie hybrid with the advantages of both.
Cons: Butt in the face. Sex is like that. It’s fine.
Switch It Up: The giver can thrust upward—carefully—for deeper penetration.
Make It Hotter: Experiment with the receiver leaning farther forward on their hands. Better? Worse? Only one way to find out.
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