8 Best Missionary Sex Positions To Spice Up The Old Classic

Some people think “vanilla” when they think missionary. But if that’s meant to be an insult, it’s not a good one! Real vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world, and it is rich and nuanced. So, we actually think that it’s an excellent descriptor for the missionary position.

Missionary didn’t get to be so popular for no reason, after all. And because it’s so popular, there are plenty of variations on it. We’re here with our eight favorite missionary sex positions, so keep reading!

1. Traditional Missionary

This is what most people think of when they think of missionary. It’s classic, but classic doesn’t mean boring. It means time-tested and consistently satisfying. It can be sweet and sensual, or raw and intense.

Either way, missionary is a full-body embrace with face-to-face connection.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees slightly bent. They can put a firm pillow under their hips for support or to adjust the angle.
2. The penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, between their legs and facing them.
3. The receiving partner arches their back and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

2. Cross Booty

You may look at our illustration below and think that it doesn’t look like a lot of fun, but this is one of those positions that feels a whole lot better than it looks. The angle of penetration here is unique for the receiving partner, and even people who don’t usually climax from penetration alone (and, that is actually the majority of people with vulvas) may be pleasantly surprised!

The receiving partner is not the only one who can benefit from this position. If the penetrating partner enjoys having their back doorbell rung, this position provides easy access.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees slightly bent. They can put a firm pillow under their hips for support or to adjust the angle.
2. The penetrating partner lies prone on top of the receiving partner, but crosswise so that they form an “X” shape joined at the pelvis.
3. The receiving partner arches their back and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

3. Tabletop

While you can enjoy role-play, which can be simple or elaborate or anything in between, in any sex position, the tabletop missionary position seems to lend itself to a whole lot of different scenarios! Of course, it’s also fun just as it is.

The receiving partner’s pelvis is elevated, which makes it easier for the penetrating partner to reach the G-spot. This position also makes the clitoris accessible for stimulation with hands or sex toys.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back on a sturdy table, with legs spread and their bottom at the very edge of the table. They can put a pillow under their head for comfort.
2. The penetrating partner stands between the receiving partner’s legs and uses their hand to guide their penis in.

4. The Pretzel

This variation is slightly less intimate than other types of missionary sex, but there is still plenty of full-body contact. The penetrating partner can caress the receiving partner’s breasts and body, and partners can hold eye contact. If you are a fan of yoga-style sex, this one is for you.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their side, resting on their bottom arm for stability.
2. The receiving partner lifts their top leg and the penetrating partner kneels straddling the receiving partner’s bottom leg.
3. The receiving partner wraps their top leg around the penetrating partner’s hip and waist.
4. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

5. Missionary With Pillow and CAT

Here, CAT stands for coital alignment technique (hey, we’re kind of kinky, but not like that!). With the coital alignment technique, deep penetration is usually not possible but the penetrating partner’s body rubs against the receiving partner’s clitoris in a very special way.

This is slow, sensual, satisfying sex; often, a rocking or grinding motion works better than vigorous thrusting.

You can use any firm pillow here, but we highly recommend a sex wedge. These are typically made of thick foam that does not compress under the weight of two adult bodies, and they are ergonomically designed to put you at just the right angle for this position and many others.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees slightly bent. They can put a firm pillow under their hips for support or to adjust the angle.
2. The penetrating partner lies on top of the receiving partner, between their legs and facing them.
3. The penetrating partner moves slightly higher on the receiving partner’s body. For people of average height, the penetrating partner’s chest will be at about eye level for the receiving partner.
4. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in (it is normal in this position to only be able to insert the tip).

6. Missionary With Legs on Shoulder (Seashell)

In this variation, it is easy for the penetrating partner to control the depth and pace of penetration, and very deep penetration is possible.

It’s also a good position to start out with oral sex on the receiving partner as part of foreplay. The receiving partner can return the favor when the penetrating partner moves over the receiving partner’s face.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees bent. They can put a firm pillow under their hips for support or to adjust the angle.
2. The penetrating partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, between their legs and facing them.
3. The receiving partner lifts their legs over the penetrating partner’s shoulders (the penetrating partner can help with this).
4. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

7. Missionary With Feet on Chest

This is somewhat similar to the above variation, but it opens up the receiving partner even more. The angle makes it easy for the penetrating partner to target the G-spot. It’s also a good position if you want to incorporate a small clitoral or couples’ vibrator during sex.

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees bent. They can put a firm pillow under their hips for support or to adjust the angle.
2. The penetrating partner kneels in front of the receiving partner, between their legs and facing them.
3. The receiving partner lifts their legs and rests their feet on the penetrating partner’s chest.
4. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

8. The Spork

Admit it. You want to try this one for the name alone! This position combines the best parts of the spooning and missionary positions. It’s snuggly and intimate, and it also allows for deep penetration.

It is also well suited for slow, deliberate sex, like Tantric sex (which focuses more on being present and connected in the moment than a drive to orgasm).

What We’re Doing

1. The receiving partner lies on their back with their legs spread and knees bent. They lift their legs so that their knees are at their side and feet in the air.
2. The penetrating partner lies between the receiving partner’s legs on their side, so their upper body is “spooning” the receiving partner.
3. The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

Maggie

Maggie Hart has written about sexual well-being and sexuality in society for quite a few years now. She is active in communities that celebrate sex for older adults.

Latest posts by Maggie Hart (see all)