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20 Best Anal Sex Positions for Couples (with Images + Instructions)
By Danny GarrettMarch 30, 2023 16 min readUpdated:February 13, 2024
Anal sex may well be the only kind of sex that everyone is able to experience in the same way. Regardless of your gender or sexual orientation, everyone has a butthole, and, especially with the right sex toy, everyone is also able to do the penetrating. When you think about it, anal sex really does unite us all as humans!
However, anal sex is not a monolith; just like with vaginal intercourse - and even other sexual activities such as oral, for that matter - there are a plethora of unique and exciting sex positions, all of which are great for different reasons, providing different angles of entry, different levels of intimacy, and variations in how deep and how rapidly the receiver is penetrated.
There are so many in fact that we decided it would be helpful to the human race to put together this anal sex positions guide in which we go over 20 of the best positions, including something for absolutely everyone. We won't just explain how they're performed though - we'll also let you know exactly why these positions are so great, and why you must try them out!
Without further ado, let's take a look at the 20 best anal sex positions that you need to try with your partner.
The Best Anal Sex Positions listed
|
POSITION |
WHAT MAKES THIS POSITION GREAT |
| On a High Chair | It makes deep thrusting super easy. |
| Reverse Cowgirl / Cowboy | It allows lots of variation of penetration speed and depth - and can also mitigate any anxiety the receiver feels. |
| Doggy Style | It allows either partner to take control - the receiver also has more mobility than in many other positions. |
| Spooning | It's an intimate, cuddly position that is very comfortable making it good for beginners - the giver is also free to stimulate their partner's erogenous zones. |
|
Tucked Missionary |
It allows for easy entry, and being face-to-face is ideal for communication. |
| Belly Down | It lets the giver penetrate more deeply than standard doggy. |
| Face Down, Ass Up | It can make penetration a lot more comfortable for the receiver making it good for beginners. |
| Sit to Stand | It allows deep penetration, and allows the giver to stimulate their partner's genitals and erogenous zones. |
| Both Standing | It's unique, intimate, and is a great position for cuddling. |
| Squatting Cowgirl / Cowboy | It's just like cowgirl/cowboy except the giver has easier control as they can hold and lift their partner's butt. |
| Seated Face to Face | It's intimate, gives the receiver control, and allows the giver to stimulate their partner's genitals and erogenous zones. |
| On a Chair | It's intimate as it allows easy caressing and eye contact, and also lets the receiver have control. |
| Sitting at the Edge of the Bed | It provides all the benefits of other sat-down positions, just with a stable and comfortable bed. |
| Face Down, Crossed | It's a novel way to give your anal sessions a twist. |
| The Bulldog | It allows the giver to be dominating and penetrate their partner super deeply and easily. |
|
The Leapfrog |
It allows for deep penetration for those who like to pleasure their partner from behind. |
| The See-Saw | The receiver is given full control, and the giver has a great view of their partner enjoying anal sex. |
| The Lotus | It's incredibly intimate and comfortable. |
| The Piledriver | It hands over control to the giver so they can be a real jackhammer! |
| The Anvil | It's intimate and provides easy access and penetration. |
1. On a High Chair
Adding a chair to your anal sex can be a great way of making it easier to find the right angle. To get into the right position, the receiver needs to sit down on a chair with their butt over the edge, or sticking out as much as possible.
Adding a chair to your anal sex can be a great way of making it easier to find the right angle
Depending on how tall the chair (and the giver) are, they'll need to either stand, squat, or kneel. Either way, once inside, they can hold on to the receiver's waist or shoulders to make deep thrusting nice and easy.
It can be useful to perform this position with the receiver in front of something like a wall that they can use for extra balance, and also to push back against the giver.
What makes this position great
- It makes deep thrusting super easy.
2. Reverse Cowgirl / Cowboy
Reverse Cowgirl (or Cowboy!) is a pretty well-known sex position for a reason - it's simple and great for anal sex. To perform, the giving partner needs to lie down on their back, after which the receiver can lower themselves down, facing away from them.
Reverse Cowgirl (or Cowboy!) is a pretty well-known sex position for a reason - it's simple and great for anal sex.
Whether you're a fan of fast-paced bouncing or slow and sensual grinding, reverse anal cowgirl/cowboy makes them both possible and super easy. It's also a good one if the receiver has any anxiety about being on top, as they don't need to face their partner.
If you want to take things up a notch, the receiving partner can lean forwards or backward to experience different sensations as the angle of entry changes, and the giving partner can join in on the grinding and thrusting as opposed to simply staying still.
What makes this position great
- It allows lots of variation of penetration speed and depth - and can also mitigate any anxiety the receiver feels.
3. Doggy Style
This anal sex position is a total classic, seemingly loved by absolutely everyone! It's so ubiquitous that some even consider it a more "vanilla" position, but if it gives everyone involved a good time, what's the problem with that?
This anal sex position is a total classic, seemingly loved by absolutely everyone!
With the receiver on all fours with their back arched, the giver simply kneels down behind them and is free to go to town. Doggy style allows either partner to have all the control - the giving partner is free to go all out while the receiver enjoys a great time, or the receiver can take the reins and push backward off their hands while the giver stays still.
The receiver also has a lot more freedom of movement with doggy style than they do with many other positions. They can move their hips or arch their back to alter the angle of entry and produce more pleasurable sensations for both parties!
What makes this position great
- It allows either partner to take control - the receiver also has more mobility than in many other positions.
4. Spooning
Spooning, where both you and your partner lie on your sides and cuddle up, can be perfect for those trying anal sex for the first time as it's an intimate and comfortable position.
Not only is it easier to control the level of penetration while spooning, but if the receiving partner raises their knees and tucks them towards their chest it can make the anal experience a little less challenging.
It's meant to be comfy, so eliminating discomfort is the way to go!
Due to the angle of entry, spooning can be a super pleasurable position. Additionally, the giver should have no problem reaching over and stimulating the receiving partner's erogenous zones for even more pleasure!
What makes this position great
- It's an intimate, cuddly position that is very comfortable making it good for beginners - the giver is also free to stimulate their partner's erogenous zones.
5. Tucked Missionary
Missionary is a great position for vaginal sex, but it works brilliantly for anal sex too. The only difference here is that the receiving partner has to tuck their knees up towards their chest, helping to open up their body for extra comfort. This makes it easier for the giving partner to enter them!
Missionary is a great position for vaginal sex, but it works brilliantly for anal sex too
One of the benefits of the tucked missionary is that you and your partner are - literally - in a much better position to communicate, either with words or non-verbally, which is always a good way to avoid too much discomfort.
Some receivers find it more comfortable to position themselves so their legs are resting over the giver's shoulders. You could also try putting a pillow under the receiver's hips for additional elevation, which can also add comfort and make for easier entry.
What makes this position great
- It allows for easy entry, and being face-to-face is ideal for communication.
6. Belly Down
Belly down anal is a fairly similar position to doggy style - the only difference really is that the receiver's belly is, well, down! To perform this position, the receiving partner has to lie down with their stomach flat on the bed or floor or wherever they find themselves. This position also allows for deeper pleasurable penetration.
Belly down anal is a fairly similar position to doggy style - the only difference really is that the receiver's belly is, well, down!
If possible, they should also raise their hips a little to provide easier access to the giver. If they find this a little tricky, just add a couple of pillows underneath the hips to get the elevation you need. Feel free to add as many as is comfortable!
Without using any pillows for that extra raise of the hips, you may find entry a little more difficult as the angle will be different, and the whole experience will be a little snug. With a good amount of lube and patience though, it's perfectly achievable!
What makes this position great
- It lets the giver penetrate more deeply than standard doggy.
7. Face-down, Ass-up
Here we have another great anal sex position which is comparable to doggy style, but this one leaves the receiving partner a whole lot more exposed, which can be nerve-wracking.
There's really nothing to worry about though as one of the positive sides of face-down, ass-up anal is that it can make the penetration a lot more comfortable, making it a good position for beginners.
As the name suggests, the receiver has to kneel with their ass up in the air, and their upper body and face down on the mattress.
The reason this position makes anal so comfortable is how they need to angle their body, as their hips will be tilted in just the right way to make entry simple, and their anus will be nice and open.
What makes this position great
- It can make penetration a lot more comfortable for the receiver making it good for beginners.
8. Sit to Stand
The sit-to-stand position is a great choice for anyone looking for some deep anal penetration. To perform this one, the receiving partner needs to lie at the edge of the bed, making sure their butt is as near to the edge as they can be - once their legs are lifted, the giver is free to get to work!
The sit-to-stand position is a great choice for anyone looking for some deep anal penetration
You'll have to experiment a little to find the best specific variation of this position that works best for you and your partner. Some prefer it if the receiver's legs are up over the giver's shoulders; others prefer to have their legs wrapped around them. Either way, the giver is also in the perfect position to stimulate the receiver's genitals and other erogenous zones for extra fun.
This position is another where placing a pillow under the receiving partner's back can alter the angle of entry to make things even smoother - be sure to try it out!
What makes this position great
- It allows deep penetration, and allows the giver to stimulate their partner's genitals and erogenous zones.
9. Both Standing
Sometimes also referred to as the Bodyguard position, this is another intimate anal sex position that allows you to get nice and close - it's essentially spooning, but instead of lying down, you're standing up!
With both partners standing up and facing the same direction, the receiving partner is free to lean back into the giver as they enter.
Cuddling is super easy in this position if you're looking for a sensual and romantic time. If you're in the mood for a more intense session though, positioning yourselves in front of a wall is your best bet, as this allows the receiver to push back into the giver as they pound away. Just don't forget the lube!
What makes this position great
- It's unique, intimate, and is a great position for cuddling.
10. Squatting Cowgirl / Cowboy
Much like with the traditional cowboy or cowgirl position, this one is all about straddling. The giver simply needs to lie down on their back while the receiver squats, feet planted flat on the bed, and lowers down onto them, instead of kneeling down like they would in the standard version.
Much like with the traditional cowboy or cowgirl position, this one is all about straddling
Squatting cowgirl/cowboy is a good choice for moments where the giver wants to be in control, as they can easily grab and hold onto their partner's butt cheeks allowing for easier, faster, and deeper thrusting. This also means the receiving partner doesn't have to work too hard, despite being on top. It's a win-win!
In the potential scenario where the receiver gets a little tired of supporting their weight with their feet, it can be worth it to try and rest their hands on their partner's chest, or on the bed next to them. Failing that, they could try sitting on a pillow on top of the giver's legs - they'll need to keep their legs together though!
What makes this position great
- It's just like cowgirl/cowboy except the giver has easier control as they can hold and lift their partner's butt.
11. Seated Face to Face
As the name suggests, to get into this position, the giving partner needs to sit down on the bed so the receiver can mount them - both partners need to be facing each other.
This is another super intimate position as you're free to make out and caress each other, and as your faces are so close, it's hard not to make eye contact!
With the receiving partner on top, they have much better control of how deeply they're being penetrated, as well as the pace of the anal sex, so this position is great if they like to take the reins in that regard.
Seated face-to-face is also a good position for additional pleasure as the giving partner has such easy access to the receiving partner's genitals and other frontal erogenous zones - so go wild!
What makes this position great
- It's intimate, gives the receiver control, and allows the giver to stimulate their partner's genitals and erogenous zones.
12. On a Chair
This is superficially similar to our previous high chair position, but whereas in that position the receiving partner is sat down with their back to the giver, here the giver sits on the chair while being straddled - both partners facing each other.
Once again, the up close, face-to-face aspect of this position makes it an especially intimate position with eye contact and easy caressing - holding on can be necessary depending on the width of the chair!
The receiving partner also has a good amount of control here as well, as their hips are free to be fairly mobile.
If handing over the reins to the receiver is preferable for you and your partner, finding a chair that allows their feet to touch the floor can be beneficial so that they can use their legs for even greater control over the sex.
What makes this position great
- It's intimate as it allows easy caressing and eye contact, and also lets the receiver have control.
13. Sitting at the Edge of the Bed
As the name suggests, in this anal sex position, the giver is sat down at the edge of the bed. Once in position, the receiving partner can mount them, either facing away or face to face depending on their preference.
As the name suggests, in this anal sex position, the giver is sat down at the edge of the bed.
In other similar positions, you or your partner have to balance on a chair, which might have been uncomfortable or cold. In this variant, you can have all the benefits of seated positions, such as intimate eye contact, caressing, and allowing the receiver to take control, just with the added bonus of a comfortable and stable bed!
What makes this position great
- It provides all the benefits of other sat-down positions, just with a stable and comfortable bed.
14. Face down, Crossed
Let's get this out of the way right now - this position can be a little awkward anal sex position to perform correctly. To perform, the receiving partner needs to lie down flat on their stomach. The giver then lies down over them at an angle so the shape of your bodies together looks like what could be referred to as a cross, or an X.
Using their hands or even just their upper body for support, the giver can go to town.
It's also not a particularly intimate position as there's no eye contact, and your bodies (barring your crotch and butt areas) aren't all that close together. You know what it is though? An interesting twist that can be added to your anal sex arsenal. Nothing wrong with that!
What makes this position great
- It's a novel way to give your anal sessions a twist.
15. The Bulldog
The Bulldog position is perfect for when the giver really wants to dominate and give the receiver a vigorous pounding! It's a similar anal position to doggy style, with the receiver down on their hands and knees.
Once ready to get to work, the giver squats behind them with their feet firmly on the bed or floor and holds on to their hips, shoulders, waist, or even hair. They're then free to pound away, and the receiver can make things even more intense by pushing back into the giver.
The Bulldog position is perfect for when the giver really wants to dominate and give the receiver a vigorous pounding!
This position is a brilliant position for powerful and deep anal penetration. The way the giver holds on to the receiver, with their feet flat on a surface means they have a great deal of balance and easy use of their leg muscles making thrusting nice and easy.
What makes this position great
- It allows the giver to be dominating and penetrate their partner super deeply and easily.
16. The Leapfrog
This position also puts a spin on the usual doggy-style arrangement. While usually, the receiver lowers down to their hands and knees, with the Leapfrog position, they actually need to squat with their knees bent and their upper body leaning forwards, hands down flat on the bed or floor in front of them.
When they're in the right position, they should look a bit like a frog who's about to leap - hence the name!
The giver then enters them from behind, and like with other squatting butt sex positions, the Leapfrog is a great choice for those who enjoy deep penetration.
What makes this position great
- It allows for deep penetration for those who like to pleasure their partner from behind.
17. The See-Saw
The See-Saw anal sex position is both very comfortable and facilitates intense, intimate eye contact - which can be a real turn-on!
To perform, both partners need to lean back, facing each other, with their hands behind them on the bed. The giver's legs will be extended outwards, and the receiver will mount them with their feet flat on the bed and their knees bent.
This position does make it hard for the giving partner to thrust, meaning it's up to the receiver to do the work here.
This does mean though that they have full control over the depth and pace of the penetration - and the giver has a fantastic view of them getting closer and closer to a climax!
What makes this position great
- The receiver is given full control, and the giver has a great view of their partner enjoying anal sex.
18. The Lotus
This is perhaps the most intimate anal sex position on this list, and it's also super comfortable. To get into the Lotus position, the giving partner sits down on the bed with their legs crossed. The receiver then mounts them, face-to-face, with their legs wrapped around the giver's waist.
The receiver needs to really get close, tucking heir butt towards the giver's crotch to achieve the best angle for penetration.
This angle allows for deeper penetration, as well as minimal pain - which is always a plus when it comes to anal positions!
The giver is also free to hold on to their partner's waist, making it easier to thrust and grind. If you're really into the cuddling part of sex, the receiver is able to wrap their arms around the giver's neck - this and the easy eye contact increases the intimacy and sensuality of the Lotus for an all-around lovely time!
What makes this position great
- It's incredibly intimate and comfortable.
19. The Piledriver
This one's for all the couples who want the receiver to be the one with total control! While it does necessitate a fair amount of flexibility and lower-back strength on the receiver's part, the level of control the Piledriver affords the giver is really second to none.
This one's for all the couples who want the receiver to be the one with total control!
Here's how it's done. The receiver needs to lie down on the back so that the giving partner is able to grab their legs, pushing and lifting them up and back so that eventually your ankles are right next to your head. The receiver is quite exposed here, but that's what makes it easy for the giver to squat and enjoy the easy access.
Honestly, the receiving partner really isn't in the position to do anything at all when performing the Piledriver, which is why it's up to the giver to provide the pleasure!
What makes this position great
- It hands over control to the giver so they can be a real jackhammer!
20. The Anvil
Finally, here's another position where the receiver needs to lie down on their back, with their legs up in the air. To complete the Anvil position, the giver leans forward over the receiver, entering from above.
The receiver's legs can rest either by the giver's head, over their shoulders, or even just by their chest - it all depends on how long their legs are. The reason Anvil is such a great position is how the way the giver leans over the receiver causes their hips to rise to allow super easy entry.
It's also a great choice for that intimate eye contact!
Here's a bonus position for you - if the receiving partner leans back a little, the giver should be able to plant their feet flat on their chest. This new position is a variant of the Anvil known as the Launch Pad!
What makes this position great
- It's intimate and provides easy access and penetration.
Looking for tips to enhance intimacy and pleasure?
Explore an expert-curated list of articles featuring the top sex positions and tips for couples:
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- 5 Best Sex Positions for a Small Penis
- 6 Best Oral Sex Positions (With Illustrations and Tips)
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- Best Sex Positions for Men with ED (with Illustrations + Tips)
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- The Ultimate Guide to Fingering a Woman: 11 Tips from our Sex Experts
Summary
As you can see, there are a whole host of different anal sex positions, each of which alters the experience just enough to provide new sensations and unique forms of ecstasy, giving your sex life an incredible boost!
Which of these is the best anal sex position for you and your partner really comes down to personal preference - we'd recommend experimenting with the few that find the most appealing, and maybe even trying something you hadn't considered. You never know what you might find!
To ensure everything goes as smoothly as can be, make sure you're taking the steps necessary to have a good, safe time by avoiding certain risks. Take things nice and slow at first, especially if you're a beginner.
Keep communication and hygiene in mind, and have the patience to ensure comfort.
Above all else, use enough lube - you can never have too much! Anal can be an intensely pleasurable experience for both parties - and with these sex positions, it can be made even better!
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