Back to Basics: Sex Positions, Ranked

There are many ways to get down and dirty, but a few staples always make the cut. But not all positions are created equal. The real question is: what are the best basics to have on standby?

Missionary: #1

Reliably good, easy to execute, and maximum contact. Missionary is the classic for a reason. Some may call it basic, but I’m inclined to disagree. Few positions offer so much flexibility—unless your hamstrings aren’t into being pretzelled. But if fundamentals are your thing, then lazy missionary is for you—channel your inner starfish as the receiver. If you’re the giver, put in the work; your core should be shaking if you are trying to achieve the best result. One thing both the giver and receiver can enjoy is not just the physical contact, but the eye contact in missionary; it’s the icing on the cake. Don’t get me wrong, skin-to-skin is great, and unavoidable in missionary, but what’s sexier than “fuck me eyes” while fucking?

Spooning: #2

Now this one steals the show at two specific times of day: those sleepy morning kisses and some before-bed bumping. I think that this is more intimate than missionary, and that’s why it’s a close second. It has the free and wandering hands of doggy, with the ease of sweet nothings whispered in your ear. It’s hard to do this without passion, which is what makes it so hot. What makes it ideal for morning sex is that your morning breath, slight drool line, and smudged makeup aren’t the focus. It’s the perfect mix of pleasure and convenience, especially right before bed. Goodnight kisses and cuddles can easily turn into grabbing, moaning, thrusting, and busting. It’s intimate, sexy, and best of all: low effort.

Cowgirl: #3

Save a horse, ride a—well, this is likely to be a favorite for many; there’s a whole song dedicated to it. It’s undeniably hot as hell. Something about this feels like it’s straight out of a porno—the perfect time to channel your inner Stormy Daniels and pull out all the stops. But it’s not much of an endurance sport so it can get tiring—but hey, it’s cardio for a reason! That said, don’t be misled; riding doesn’t have to be one partner’s job. Let the bottom partner take the reins, and it’s like reverse missionary.

Doggy: #4

Sometimes there’s really nothing like good backshots to get your day going right. For the giver, it’s pretty easy; you can play with pacing, plus 10/10 visuals. I suppose it’s called “doggy” because its primal aspect adds to the appeal. However, it’s one of the positions with the least physical contact, but since it leaves all hands available, it’s not really a downside. I mean, wandering hands are welcome, and this position can require some hand-holds. Doggy is also ideal for a good quickie because of its easy access; drop your drawers and go to town! It may not be best as the sole position for a session—it’s sexy but not necessarily intimate. Better yet, if your partner isn’t doing it for you—perhaps the person you brought home looked better in dark lighting—bury your face in that pillow or focus on the ass in front of you!

Oral: #5

Some may call this just foreplay, but hell, it’s good as the starting act, intermission, or main event! For this, it gets the solid middle spot. There’s no better way to give close attention and get up-close and personal than by diving below the belt. Enjoyable in all ways, this one has some flexibility: sitting, standing, horizontal, up, down, all around, the world is your oyster—but can you find the pearl?

Standing: #6

This one’s often a variation of doggy, unless you’re into aerial arts. That said, it’s different enough to earn its own spot on this list, albeit a lower one. This one is definitely a group project, and its success depends heavily on how well you and your partner match. Some people are better climbers than others, but even so, some angles just aren’t anatomically possible. When it works, it accommodates adventure: anywhere, anytime.

Prone Bone: #7

If doggy and spooning had a baby, it’d be prone bone. More intimate than doggy, with more full-body contact than spooning, it marries intimacy with some good old banging. It’s often a result of doggy, when balance and stamina ebb. Sweet nothings are great, but dirty talk is better, and prone bone is the best position for salacious words right in your ear. The only downside is that it can get lazier than missionary and can literally be crushing. Even so, prone bone can’t vie for a top spot, but it’s a damn good finisher.

69: #8

Famous but overrated. It always sounds like a good idea, but rarely lives up to expectations. It’s an excuse for lazy head on both sides. As mentioned, head is good enough to be its own event; no need to dilute it just for the allure. It also faces the same anatomical problem as standing: if you and your partner aren’t standing eye to eye, chances are you won’t be evenly matched, face to crotch. But if you’re a die-hard fan like some are, congrats, you’re the lucky few.

Reverse Cowgirl: #9

No. Frankly, too much risk of injuring a penis with one mistimed thrust. For the viewer, it’s great. For the doer, unless you’re into feet, it’s less than ideal.

While everyone will have their own ranking, opinion, and preference, these staples make the rotation most often, and for good reason. Ideally, we’d try every position all the time if each were equally pleasurable. Obviously, some physical factors determine what works best, but there’s only one way to find out!

Mona Lott encourages you to test them all.