IT'S NO SECRET that cowgirl (or cowboy, or cowperson, or partner-on-top) is one of guys' all-time favorite sex positions, and itâs 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 the receiving partner has a vulva, âThere's going to be G-spot stimulation, clitoral stimulation, and cervical stimulation,â sex therapist Ian Kerner, Ph.D., previously told Men's Health. âItâs a nice position for the person on top to really control their orgasm. It also gives you a great view of everything thatâs happening.â (Pro tip: If the partner on top needs external clit stimulation to climax, cowgirl frees up their hands to hold a vibrator on their clit as they ride.)
Now, if youâre the partner on the bottom, it doesnât mean you can play the starfish. 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, stimulating their external clitoris with a hand or toy, caressing their breasts, or even engaging in some hot making-out, depending on your positioning.
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Another cowgirl tip: Remember, it's not all about the rider moving up and down. Honestly, that causes a lot of thigh burn. To avoid burning out, the receiver can try sliding back and forth in this position. (They can also try spelling "coconut," a woman-on-top sex tip that went viral in 2019.)
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 isnât 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 youâre looking to get your cowgirl on, here are some simple and fun ways to change it up.
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 itâs 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: Itâs 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 itâs 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. Weâd 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 itâs good: Itâs 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 bentâif they have loose quadsâor plant their feet on the bed if it's more comfortable, as pictured.)
Why itâs 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 partnerâs outstretched legs. The receiver will essentially be completely flush with their partnerâs 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 itâs good: This position allows for a very unique sort of shallow penetration. In most instances, the penis or dildos wonât 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 partnerâs 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 itâs 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 doesnât, 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 itâs good: This position doesnât 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 itâs 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 itâs good: This position is super comfortable for the giverâand 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 itâs 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 itâs good: Itâs 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 motionâwhatever 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 giverâfacing awayâand 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 forthâwhatever 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.
