No matter what porn will have you believe, there’s so much more to anal sex than doggy style. Sure, doggy style is awesome, obviously. You get to see yourself actually penetrating your partner, and if you and your partner are into ass-smacking, you’re in the ideal position to spank their behind. Hot.
But doggy style is just one of many anal sex positions out there, and if you don’t try anything else, you might be missing out on some of the mind-blowing sensations that come with exploring your and/or your partner’s back door. (Hello, prostate orgasms.) If you’re looking for some creative new ways to have butt sex, we’ve got you covered with this list of the 20 best anal sex positions that aren’t doggy style. Been there, done that. This list describes how to pull off each position from the perspective of the person doing the penetrating, but I’d like to note: All of these anal sex positions have been tried out by yours truly as both the penetrator (a.k.a. the “top”) and the person being penetrated (a.k.a. the “bottom”).
Remember that lube is your friend for all things butt sex (and all things sex, in general). Before you test out these positions, check out our picks for the 10 best lubes for anal sex. And if your partner has a vulva and wants to try penetrating you in any—or all!—of these amazing anal sex positions, you might want to check out our comprehensive guide to pegging.
How it works: While seated in a chair (or at the end of the bed), have your partner straddle you, facing towards you, and wrap their legs around you.
Why it’s good: This is an intimate position that allows for making out, caressing, and holding. All too often, we think of “taking them from behind” for anal sex, but face-to-face positions can be very romantic.
How it works: Oh captain, my captain! Have your partner lie on their back and hold their legs up straight in a V-shape. This grants you access to the booty. Enjoy!
Why it’s good: You’ve probably figured out by now that angles are the name of the game when it comes to anal. For one, you don’t want it to hurt your dick. Two, you don’t want your dick constantly slipping out every few seconds. (I purposefully did not include positions that often cause “falling out.”) This position allows for great angles, and it’s really hard to slip out if you’er the one penetrating your partner.
How it works: Your partner starts by lying on their side. Their arms are raised above them and their legs are bent. You then wrap one of your legs around your partner’s torso, keeping the other one straight. From there, it’s simple to start anal penetration.
Why it’s good: This is the perfect position for lazy, morning anal. (Yes, that’s a thing–ask any gay man ever.) It doesn’t require a lot of work. Your limbs are intertwined. You can kiss each other’s necks. It’s the perfect way to start your day.
How it works: Have you partner hop on top of you, facing the opposite direction, like it’s reverse cowgirl. Then have them lean back, planting the palms of their hands by the sides of your shoulders (or face) depending on the height of your partner.
Why it’s good: Typical reverse cowgirl is actually tough to pull off in anal because of the angle. Most penises are fairly straight when erect, so typical reverse cowgirl will pull the penis forward, which can be painful. Extended reverse cowgirl solves that problem.
How it works: To start, get into regular doggy style, meaning your partner should be on their hands and knees in front of you. You should then get on your knees behind your partner with your knees inside their legs. You then raise one of your knees to a bent position. This will automatically raise your partner’s leg on the side. Their thigh will then be resting on yours. When done correcting, it looks like your partner is a dog peeing on a fire hydrant.
Why it’s good: This position really is great for self-identified “leg men” because it feels like your partner’s legs are all over you while in this position.
How it works: Have your partner lie face down on the bed with their knees slightly bent and hips slightly raised. For comfort and to increase the angle of their hips, you can place a pillow under their lower abs. From here, enter them from behind and keep your weight off of them by propping yourself up with your arms.
Why it’s good: You can go really deep in this position, and it feels so damn good.
How it works: While your partner’s lying on their back, have them throw their bent legs up into the air. Their legs should be slightly past shoulder-length apart, and for this pose to really work, they need to grip the soles of their feet with their hands. (This will help them with stability.)
Why it’s good: Happy Baby Pose not only allows for deeper penetration, if your partner is a vulva-owner, it’s also an ideal position to engage their clitoris too. With one hand you can stimulate their clitoris, and with your other free hand, you can hold onto them for support.
How it works: While they’re on their back, have your partner drape their legs over your shoulders. The angle of their body should be roughly 90-degrees.
Why it’s good: The legs on shoulders position should be considered a staple, as it allows for deep anal penetration.
How it works: In this staple, your partner lies on their back, and you crawl on top of them. From there, you can easily penetrate your partner’s behind.
Why it’s good: It’s hot for all the reasons that P-in-V missionary is hot. It’s intimate, allowing for plenty of kissing and eye contact.
How it works: You two sit on the bed, face-to-face and close together. Your partner is straddling you, with their legs planted next to your side or wrapped around you. Your legs are resting next to their side.
Why it’s good: This position is up close and personal. Your chests can touch. You can kiss. You can wrap your arms around your partner, holding them tightly. You’ll fall in love with this position and each other.
How it works: You sit on the edge of the bed with your feet planted on the floor. Then bend back slightly, supporting your upper body on your elbows. Have you partner then sit on your lap with their back towards you. They should put their legs on the corner of the bed for support. You can hold onto your partner’s hips.
Why it’s good: The person being penetrated has control in this position. They can give you a little lap dance—it’s a great way to really tease the top.
How it works: While you’re both lying on your side, effectively spooning, enter your partner.
Why it’s good: It’s easy to increase intensity in a spooning position by wrapping your arms around your partner. If for some reason you’re noticing that you’re unable to penetrate as deep as you both want, try leaning away from your partner.
