59 Best Sex Positions to Try This Year

Get those pens ready, because we’re adding new pages to your book of love, with our ranking of the best sex positions to make you better in bed. Not only have we collated a well-endowed list of sex positions for couples to try, but we’ve also thrown in a few foreplay positions for good measure because we know you’re useless at them – gents we’re talking to you.

It’s important for us to say, however, that consent is key here. Your partner will want to know what you’re doing before you start twisting them like a pretzel. And honestly, some of these sex positions would be hard to pull off without a little cooperation. So, with that made clear, let’s get deep into our list of the best sex positions to make you better in bed.

List of the Best Sex Positions Ranked

Our list of the best sex positions to experiment with goes like this.

• Most common sex position overall: Missionary
• If you’re looking for romance: The Om
• If you’re looking to impress someone: The Jack and Rose
• If you’re looking for something simple: Scoop Me Up
• If you want to experiment with something new: The Spider

Now we’ve had a look at the top-ranked sex positions, let’s check out the full list.

Please note: In the interests of inclusivity, where possible we’ve avoided using gendered language below. 

1. Missionary

First on our list of the sex positions to make you better in bed is the ol’ reliable, Missionary. Since the dawn of time, Missionary has been the go to position, and for good reason. It’s simple, one partner lies on their back, their legs open, while the other lays on top. But you came here for more adventurous sex positions, right?

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 9
Passion: 8

2. Cowgirl

The popular alternative to Missionary, the Cowgirl usually comes after Missionary, where the partner that was below now goes on top and takes the lead. The partner on top straddles their legs on either side of their partner below and controls the pace. This position is great for the partner below, as they can sit back and enjoy the view, while the partner on top goes wild.

Difficulty: 4
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

3. Doggy Style

As the famous lyrics go, “You and me baby ain’t nothing but mammals, so let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel”, or, down at the local dog park. In this position, one partner bends over on all fours while the partner penetrates from behind. Great for those who like spanking and domination.

Difficulty: 3
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

4. Face Off

No, we’re not talking about the Oscar-nominated 1997 action flick starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage (but feel free to think about Cage during sex, at your own risk). To perform the Face Off, one partner sits on the edge of their bed/chair while the other sits on top facing them, holding the other in a passionate embrace. This is definitely a couple’s move rather than a one-night-stand position, but each to their own.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 9
Overall rating:

5. Flatiron

Ah, the Flatiron, because there’s nothing quite as erotic as doing the laundry. A variation on Doggy Style, one partner will lie flat on their stomach, slightly arching their rear up, while the other penetrates from behind/above. You may also have heard of this one being referred to as the Prone Bone by certain sex-perts.

Difficulty: 4
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

6. Yourself on the Shelf

Remember the popular family Christmas character Elf on the Shelf? Well, this has nothing to do with that. This sex position has you utilising your surroundings to spice things up, with one partner sitting at about waist high on a bench, chair, or windowsill while the other penetrates facing them. One of the more fun sex positions on our list, just remember to sanitise any surfaces you’ve used afterwards.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 9

7. LeapFrog

Not the mildly entertaining childhood game, the Leap Frog we’re talking about here is another variation on the Doggy Style position. Here, the partner bending-over, lays down as low as they can do while still displaying their rear. Think about how nice a good stretch can feel and now add the feelings of good sex on top of that. This action of stretching increases the pleasure and stimulation that the Doggy Style position can achieve.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

8. Stand and Deliver

For our boot camp of sex positions, the Stand and Deliver will have you screaming ‘sir yes sir’ if done correctly. A variation on Missionary, the partner penetrating now stands rather than lay atop their partner. Standing allows for longer, more powerful thrusts, that’ll leave both partners at ease for hours on end afterwards.

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

9. Reverse Cowgirl

Think of the Cowgirl position, but backwards. The partner on top now faces away from the one lying down, which makes this position great for spanking if they’re into it. We suggest starting slow as it’s not the most natural position at first. However, the different angles of penetration make for some new sensations for both partners.

Difficulty: 7
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

10. Ballet Dancer

In the Ballet Dancer sex position, the horizontal hokey pokey is no longer restricted to laying down. Both partners stand facing one another, while the partner being penetrated lifts one of their legs over their partner’s thigh. This move is best achieved if you’re both of a similar height, but chairs and stools can help.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

11. Cowboy

This position certainly ranks high on our list of unusual sex positions. A combination of the Cowgirl and Flatiron positions, the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs tightly closed together, while the penetrating partner inserts themself from on top in this now tighter gap.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

12. Scoop Me Up (Spooning)

While spooning is great for those intimate early morning moments, it can also make for one of the best sex positions. While spooning, the big spoon penetrates the little spoon, it’s as easy as that. Laying on your side is another way to tighten things up and is much easier to perform than the Cowboy.

Difficulty: 1
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

13. The Caboose

Picture yourself, romantically picnicking by a lake or ocean, your partner sitting up between your legs and leaning against you as the warm breeze rolls across your skin, and then add penetration. Almost the reverse of the Face Off or the Scoop Me Up, this is still one of the most intimate moves on our list of sex positions to make you better in bed.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

14. Reverse Scoop

The reverse of the Scoop Me Up, from Missionary turn onto your sides and continue, making sure to weave and tuck your arms and legs around one another for extra support and intimacy. For a challenge, try to achieve this transition from Missionary without pulling out.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

15. The Jack and Rose

The Jack and Rose is not just a sexual position, it’s also a physical challenge that requires strength and mobility. This position was inspired by one of the most memorable scenes in the movie Titanic. The partner who is penetrating lifts their partner up, while the receiving partner holds on to their arms for support. It’s not necessary, but the receiving partner can add to the experience by exclaiming “I’m flying!” to enhance the effect.

Difficulty: 10
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

16. Standing O

The first of our foreplay positions on the list, the Standing O does just as it promises. While one partner is on their knees, the other will stand up right in front of them (that’s the ‘Standing’ part). The kneeling partner takes the standing one’s knee over their shoulder and goes to town on their privates (that’s the ‘O’ part).

Difficulty: 1
Pleasure: 10 (for receiver)
Passion: 6

17. The Door Jam

The Door Jam brings a whole new dimension to the world of ‘Knock Knock’ jokes. Using the door as your weapon of choice, sex can feel spontaneous and exciting, as it suggests you’ve felt too excited to wait until the bedroom.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

18. The Spread Eagle

The Spread Eagle is a sex position that takes pointers from the Leap Frog and the Missionary positions. Laying on their back, the partner below will spread and stretch their legs out in a ‘V’ position on either side of their partner. This stretch, as mentioned before, will enhance the sensations of penetration, making this one of the very fun sex positions.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

19. The Seashell

While similar to the Spread Eagle, The Seashell has its own benefits. Involving some flexibility from the receiver, the partner below will have their legs held back or pinned to their own shoulders. This will, as with the Gee Whiz, increase the deepness of penetration, and in turn increase the potential for climax.

Difficulty: 7
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

20. Woman Astride

Just like the Cowgirl position and The Cowgirl’s Helper, The Woman Astride involves one partner on top while the other lays below. Rather than leaning forward like The Cowgirl’s Helper, the partner on top leans back about 45 degrees from upright. This achieves similar variations in penetration for new and exciting sensations.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

21. The Lazy Man

This position is called The Lazy Man because the partner on top does a lot of the work, but that’s not totally accurate. Rather than just laying back and admiring like in the Cowgirl position, the partner below sits upright to meet their partner’s chest, using their hands for squeezing and stimulation. This is another one of the best sex positions for intimacy.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

22. The Spider

A well-timed thrust in The Spider position can make it one of the best positions on our list. Sitting opposite, place your legs on either side of another and penetrate like this. In The Spider, you’ll have equal control of the action, meaning that thrusts can go each way.

Difficulty: 10
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

23. Upstanding Citizen

The Upstanding Citizen involves a bit of upper body strength from both partners. One partner stands and picks the other partner up, who in turn wraps her arms and legs around. The partner being held up is then in charge of the thrusts and action, raising themselves up and down while being held up off the ground.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

24. The Om

With the Om, you can ascend to a higher level of pleasure. Sitting cross-legged, one partner will sit on top, facing you and crossing their legs around the other. Holding each other and making deep eye contact, feel like you’re floating as you bump and grind all night long.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

25. Spork

Can’t decide if you want to spoon, or fork? Why not both? The Spork involves one partner laying on their back, while the other lies on their side and penetrates at a 90-degree angle, in the shape of the letter ‘T’.

Difficulty: 7
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

26. The Pinball Wizard

The Pinball Wizard is a variation of the Stand and Deliver, without the bed beneath the receiving partner. Full warning, this is not a position for those with back or neck pains. The receiving partner will lay on their shoulder blades on the floor, while their partner lifts their waist and goes to town.

Difficulty: 7
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

27. Cowgirl’s Helper

Not to worry, we’re not introducing sex toys into the bedroom on this list (we’ll save that for another time). The Cowgirl’s Helper is a simple variation on the Cowgirl position. Rather than sitting up straight, the partner on top will lean forward, placing their hands on their partner’s chest. This change of angle means penetration will reach new places, resulting in some truly body-shaking sensations.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

28. The Butter Churner

Another of the sex positions not great for those with back or neck pains, The Butter Churner is quite an adventurous move. The partner below props themselves up on their shoulders, and with their rear in the air, the other partner will penetrate from above. The rush of blood to the head of the partner below will increase the intensity of sensations.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 6
Passion: 7

29. Snow Angel

The Snow Angel is a position where you’ll need at least a two minute stretch beforehand. As confusing as many Kama Sutra positions, one partner will lie on their back, while the other, facing down towards the mattress, penetrates from the other direction. Confused? Yeah, us too.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 6
Passion: 5

30. The Socket

Plug in and feel the sensations with The Socket. Starting in the Sixty-Nine position with the receiving partner on top, they will then slide their body down with their legs still under their partner’s arms, and begin. Another one of those unusual sex positions, but great for those who like spanking.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

31. The Little Dipper

Not only is The Little Dipper a great sex position, but it’s also a great triceps workout for whoever’s on top. Using something like the arms of a chair to prop themselves up, this partner will place their legs either side of the partner below and lift themselves up and down. The partner below can thrust as well, just make sure your timing is synced.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

32. The Cat

A very romantic position, The Cat is essentially Missionary but closer. Rather than being face to face, the partner on top’s chest will be at the shoulders of the partner below. It should also be noted that there’s statistically a higher chance of female orgasm in this position than in Missionary.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

33. Waterfall

Another warning for those with bad backs or necks. The partner below lies off the edge of the bed/couch, with their pelvis still on the bed but their shoulders on the floor. The other partner then goes on top. Similar to The Butter Churner, the rush of blood to the head is great for enhancing sensations.

Difficulty: 10
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

34. One Up

The One Up is the Standing O but laying down. One partner will lay on their back to receive, with one leg in the air. Done correctly, the receiving partner will be shaking and squirming for all the right reasons.

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 10 (receiver)
Passion: 5

35. The Hot Seat

While there aren’t millions of dollars on the line and you probably shouldn’t be calling a friend for advice, The Hot Seat is one of the best sex positions. One partner sits on the edge of a bed/chair/couch, and the other positions themselves on top but facing away.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

36. Swiss Ball Blitz

For any gym fanatics reading, this one’s for you, but this is mostly because you’ll need an exercise ball to achieve this next position. A variation on The Hot Seat, you’ll be using the exercise ball as your bed/couch/chair, with the springiness of the ball giving you extra power behind each thrust.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

37. Hovering Butterfly

The Hovering Butterfly is another oral sex position on our list of the 50+ sex positions to make you better in bed. One partner straddles the other’s face, placing their knees on either side of the below partner’s ears. This is a great reciprocation for The Bees Knees, just remember the below partner will need to come up for air every now and then.

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 10 (receiver)
Passion: 5

38. Noughts and Crosses (The X Position)

The Noughts and Crosses is not for the inexperienced, this is one of those Kama Sutra positions that takes real patience and flexibility. A variation of scissoring, both partners will cross their legs and penetrate. A bit of an awkward one to get into, so try not to kick your partner in the head or chest.

Difficulty: 10
Pleasure: 5
Passion: 6

39. Spoon Facing

This is one of those sex positions which is pretty self-explanatory. It’s spooning while facing one another. The Spoon Facing is a very intimate position, that encourages hugging and kissing while you make love.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 5
Passion: 7

40. Gift Wrapped

Coming to you just in time for Christmas, the Gift Wrapped is the first present you’ll want to get into come Christmas morning. Facing one another while laying on your sides, wrap yourself around your partner and begin penetration. This is by far one of the more intimate sex positions on our list, as you’re able to feel your partner’s heart beating, their chest heaving up and down, and all the shakes and shivers of pleasure you can tempt out of them.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

41. The Pile Driver

The pile driver sex position is not for the faint of heart, or those with weak necks! It involves the receiving partner getting on their hands and feet, with their head down and butt up in the air. The penetrating partner then stands on their feet and lifts their partner’s legs up to gain access for some intense penetration.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 5
Passion: 7

42. Mountain Climber

Don’t worry, while they’ll be some physical exertion here, you won’t be made to climb an actual mountain. The Mountain Climber is a variation on Missionary that aims to show off those sick abs you’ve been working so hard on (you have been working on those abs, right?). Holding yourself further away from your partner than in the traditional Missionary position, use your core to penetrate and thrust, while your partner below wraps themselves around you.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 6
Passion: 7

43. The Bends (Quickie Fix)

If you’ve got somewhere to be, The Bends is one of the best sex positions. Without the need for a bed or chair, one partner bends over while the other penetrates from behind. This may lead to some soreness over time, but since quick is the name of the game, you won’t have to stay bent over for long.

Difficulty: 1
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

44. Couch Surfing

A bit more exciting than crashing on your mate’s couch. Using the arm of the couch, one partner bends over while the other goes to town. Best not to leave any mess, remembering you’ve still got to sit there afterwards.

Difficulty: 4
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

45. Drop The Soap

Ever fantasised about going to prison? Neither have we, but someone has, and that’s how the Drop The Soap position came to be. A combination of Doggy Style and Yourself on the Shelf, your partner will lean over the bathroom sink for penetration. With a well-positioned mirror, you can watch each other go at it like animals.

Difficulty: 5
Pleasure: 6
Passion: 7

46. Crouching Tiger, Standing Dragon

Channel your inner animal spirit, with the Crouching Tiger, Standing Dragon. In another variation of Doggy Style, the partner bending over arches their back to be lower, presenting their rear to their standing partner. In this position, deeper, more satisfying penetration can be achieved.

Difficulty: 4
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

47. Seated Wheelbarrow

The Seated Wheelbarrow is a variation of the Reverse Cowgirl, that takes advantage of the blood rush to your head that The Butter Churner and Waterfall positions cater towards. One partner sits on the bed/couch/chair, while the other places their hands on the ground and their legs on either side of their partner’s waist. Throw in a few push-ups and you’ve got a great workout as well as a great sex position.

Difficulty: 9
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

48. Standing Wheelbarrow

The same as the Seated Wheelbarrow, but this time the partner that was sitting is standing. Need we say more?

Difficulty: 10
Pleasure: 5
Passion: 7

49. Aquaman’s Delight

No, this doesn’t involve a trident (unless you want it to). Aquaman’s Delight is essentially The Upstanding Citizen but in water. A great quickie position if you make use of the deeper waters. And remember not to eat 30 minutes before entering the water, unless you want cramps.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

50. Iron Chef

Cooking can be an incredibly sensual activity with a partner, so why not turn up the heat a little? The Iron Chef is a variation of Yourself on the Shelf but in the kitchen. Do not make the mistake of sitting on a hot stove top, unless you want to remember this session for all the wrong reasons.

Difficulty: 6
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 8

51. Closed for Business

Closed for Business is a great oral sex position for those with a sensitive clitoris. The woman lies with her legs closed while their partner rubs and tongues around the area with a firm tongue.

Difficulty: 1
Pleasure: 10 (receiver)
Passion: 5

52. Lazy Girl

For every Lazy Man, there’s a Lazy Girl. This is a sex position in which one partner lies back with their head on their bed/cushion, lifting their legs and wrapping them around the penetrating partner who uses their arms to support themselves above the lower partner. This is another one of the best sex positions for intimacy.

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 7

53. Gee Whiz

The Gee Whiz is one of those sex positions that isn’t nearly as innocent as it sounds. Named after the sound made by the first partner who tried it, presumably back in the 1870s, the Gee Whiz is a variation on the Missionary position, where the partner on their back rests their calves on the above partners shoulders. This allows for deeper penetration, and a real Gee Whiz sensation.

Difficulty: 3
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 7

54. The Pretzel

Spin right-hand red, then left foot green, because this is a move even the best Twister players would have trouble pulling off. The Pretzel is exactly what it sounds like, as partners intertwine their legs with one another on their side and pull themselves tightly together.

Difficulty: 7
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

55. David Copperfield

Another great oral sex position for foreplay, this time the receiving partner raises both their legs into the air while on their backs. The receiving partner can grind their hips for greater stimulation, while the partner going down can run their hands along their partners thighs and stomach. A pillow is also great for achieving different angles.

Difficulty: 2
Pleasure: 10 (receiver)
Passion: 5

56. Pole Position

Kind of like The Pretzel, but not as constricting (unless you’re into that). One partner will lie on their back while the other sits on top but with their body facing their partner’s left or right side (rather than their head or toes in Cowgirl/Reverse Cowgirl).

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

57. Stairway to Heaven

A variation of the Hot Seat, where instead of using a chair or bed, you use the stairs. We shouldn’t need to say this, but no Stairway to Heaven at your local music store. Otherwise, party on!

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 7
Passion: 6

58. Spin Cycle

Are we missing something here? Since when did doing the laundry become so sexy? The Spin Cycle is another variation of the Hot Seat but using the washing machine instead of your bed or chair. When the washing machine is going, you’ll have those extra vibrations coursing through both your bodies. With the Flatiron and the Spin Cycle, you’ll find it hard to get any of the actual laundry work done.

Difficulty: 8
Pleasure: 6
Passion: 7

59. Sixty-Nine

Rounding out our list of the sex positions to make you better in bed, is an oral sex position that needs no introduction. The Sixty-Nine has a reputation outside of the bedroom, often laughed at and met with the phrase ‘nice’ whenever it appears in our day-to-day lives. This oral foreplay position gives everyone involved the chance to stimulate and be stimulated, in a linked, yin and yang circle of pleasure that builds the more excited each partner gets. A fine way to finish up our list, you’ve got to try this position at least once in your life.

Difficulty: 3
Pleasure: 8
Passion: 8

How We Chose the Best Sex Positions

When it comes to sex positions, there are a lot of options out there – and not all of them are created equal. That’s why we took on the daunting task of evaluating and ranking the best sex positions for couples. We used a rigorous system to evaluate each position, taking into account factors such as difficulty level (1-10), pleasure (1-10), and passion (1-10). It was a tough job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it, right?

Let’s break down each factor that we considered when ranking:

1. Difficulty (1-10): We examined how easy or difficult each position was to perform. Positions that required a lot of flexibility or strength, for example, were ranked higher in difficulty than those that were more straightforward. While it’s important to note that a higher degree of difficulty doesn’t necessarily mean a position is better, we still believe that it’s an important factor for people to consider before giving it a try.
2. Pleasure (1-10): We evaluated each position on how much pleasure it provided both partners, which obviously impacted foreplay. This took into account factors such as the level of stimulation and the potential for orgasm.
3. Passion (1-10): We assessed each position on how passionate and intimate it felt. This factor took into account things like eye contact, physical closeness, and the potential for deep emotional connection.

By considering each of these factors, we were able to come up with a comprehensive ranking of the best sex positions. Of course, everyone’s preferences are different, so we encourage you to try out a variety and figure out what works best for you and your partner.

Sex Position FAQs

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