The moment someone mentions reverse cowgirl, curiosity tends to spike—maybe because it’s something you’ve seen in movies, heard about from friends, or spotted in surveys listing the top favorite sex positions among couples. According to a 2022 Lovehoney survey, reverse cowgirl consistently lands in the top ten, celebrated for its blend of visual excitement and hands-free, playful control. But while the name gets laughs, the appeal is serious: this move can make good sex even better, bringing a completely new angle to intimate connection. Ready to find out why everyone’s talking about it, and how to actually pull it off with confidence?
Breaking Down Reverse Cowgirl: What Makes It Different?
Reverse cowgirl flips the classic cowgirl position so the partner on top faces away, shoulders turned toward the feet, introducing a whole new perspective. In this setup, the receiving partner lays on their back, while the partner on top straddles, backs to their partner’s face. There’s not just novelty at play here—the position opens up a ton of possibilities when it comes to hands, eye contact (or lack of, depending what you want), and control. If you enjoy the feeling of being in charge, you’ll love that reverse cowgirl lets the person on top set pace and depth without extra instruction. That means a level of communication by touch and rhythm instead of words, which can really turn up the heat.
Unlike missionary or even regular cowgirl, the reverse variation highlights different physical sensations simply due to body orientation. The angle can lead to stronger G-spot or prostate stimulation, depending on anatomy. Dr. Emily Morse, a noted sexologist, points out that subtle shifts in hip angle can amplify pleasure points you might have missed out on in face-to-face positions. For the partner lying down, there’s a clear view of your partner’s body—a big win for anyone turned on by visual stimulation. The position also keeps hands free, so both partners can reach for toys or add manual clitoral or perineal stimulation, helping dial pleasure way up.
People sometimes think reverse cowgirl is only for the ultra-flexible, but that’s a myth. Sure, flexibility helps, but most couples can find a spin on this position to suit their bodies. If you’re worried about coordination, focus more on communication—let each other know if something feels off. As with anything, the real secret is adjusting until you both hit your sweet spot.
How to Ace the Reverse Cowgirl: Step-By-Step Moves
First time trying the reverse cowgirl? No need for circus skills or gymnastic training. It’s all about setting the stage for comfort. Before you do anything, talk with your partner about what you’re both feeling up for. A quick check-in makes everything smoother. Start with your partner lying on their back, knees comfortably bent or legs flat—whatever’s easier for your bodies.
- Straddle and Sit: The person taking the lead climbs on top, straddling their partner’s hips. You want your feet flat on the bed or tucked by their thighs for balance. Use your hands on your partner’s legs or your own thighs for extra support.
- Find the Right Angle: Leaning slightly forward or back totally changes the pressure points. Play with your posture. A more upright seat often brings direct stimulation to the clitoris, while a forward lean targets deeper spots. Tinker until you get that "aha" moment.
- Control the Motion: Go with a rhythm that feels good—for both of you. Rock slowly at first, circling or bouncing lightly before you ramp it up. This is your chance to explore what pace gets both of you excited.
- Mix It Up: Take hands, add a sex toy, or try grabbing the headboard for extra leverage. You don’t have to stay in one place—slide up or down a bit to hit new spots. Communication, through a squeeze or quiet comment, keeps things fun.
- Pay Attention to Comfort: Don’t ignore the signs. If someone gets a cramp or feels awkward, pause, laugh it off, and shift positions. A pillow under your partner’s lower back adds comfort and helps raise their hips for even more contact.
For longer sessions, use a sturdy bed or surface. Squeaky beds or soft mattresses can make balance tricky. If you’re worried about knees or soreness, a folded towel or soft blanket can make a huge difference. And if you add a mirror nearby, you tap into that visual thrill that makes reverse cowgirl so famous in the first place.

Benefits, Drawbacks, and Pro Tips
Reverse cowgirl’s strongest selling point: the person on top is totally in control. This gives you the freedom to set pace and depth at your own comfort. You’re also less likely to lose sensation compared with positions where hips and legs are spread wider. According to Kinsey Institute studies, couples often report stronger orgasms and memorable experiences when one partner “takes the reins.” That isn’t just good for the bedroom—doing things outside the typical template can build trust in everyday life, too.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Visual feast for both partners Enhanced G-spot or prostate stimulation Hands free for stimulation or play | Can awkward for beginners More risk of discomfort or cramping Requires clear communication |
Comfort is everything. Since your weight is on your legs or core muscles, stamina might become a hurdle. Want a quick fix? Try switching roles or pausing between sessions with some gentle massages. A cool pro move: combine reverse cowgirl with a vibrator for the partner on top—the angle makes clitoral (or perineal) access easy and hands-on.
Keep a water-based lube nearby to cut down on friction and avoid any uncomfortable rubbing. Never be shy about stopping if something feels weird. The position’s unique angle also offers a simple solution for partners whose height or size differences make other positions less comfortable. Scoot up or down until everything fits naturally.
For anyone with back issues, try a modified version where the person on top leans forward, weight supported on their arms. If your knees are bugging you, keep one or both knees closer together or rest your feet on the mattress. The main thing is—there’s no perfect technique. The best way to enjoy reverse cowgirl is to play, adjust, and laugh as you go.
Getting the Most out of Reverse Cowgirl: Ideas, Myths & Safety
Plenty of myths float around about reverse cowgirl. Some people think it's too wild, or that it always ends in porn-star style stamina. Turns out, real life is more creative and forgiving. You don’t need to “perform” for each other—you just need to stay connected through touch, sound, or even a well-timed glance over the shoulder.
If you want to inject even more excitement, add in a blindfold or light bondage to heighten the focus on sensations. Body oil, temperature play (a cool palm or soft, warm touch), or soft tickling all add layers without complicating anything. You can even combine reverse cowgirl with other moves—scoot your partner up against a sturdy headboard or pile of pillows for support if you want to experiment with angles or ease the intensity.
- Take breaks—don’t push through discomfort. If you’re feeling tired, shift to a lazy variation where both partners relax into the mattress.
- Use pillows for added support under the hips, thighs, or lower back, especially if you want to prolong the experience.
- If you’re exploring toys, focus on those with curved or adjustable heads—they fit naturally with the body’s lines in this pose.
One last reality check: any position, especially something with deep thrusting or fast bouncing, can lead to accidents like the rare but possible penile fracture (yes, it’s a thing). Move with intention, use plenty of lube, and always stick with communication. If you catch yourself worrying, slow down—sexy moments are about fun, not about hitting a championship level.
Want to get bolder with the reverse cowgirl position? Remember, the secret isn’t in technique—it’s in laughter, connection, and a little imagination. Every couple takes a few tries before the moves really flow. Stay patient, tweak the setup, and, whenever in doubt, make it up as you go. No expert-level moves needed—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to jump back on if you slip off the saddle.