Here’s How To Master The Reverse Cowgirl Position, According To Sex Experts

Cowboy-core is dominating the style scene (thanks, Beyoncé), but don’t limit the Wild West vibes to your closet. Why not bring the rodeo to the bedroom with the reverse cowgirl position? Saddle up on your partner’s lap, turn around, and giddy up. 

Contrary to the classic cowgirl position, facing away while riding (rather than toward them) offers a fresh set of sensations, both for you and your partner. “This position allows the person on top to control the rhythm, depth, and pace of movement,” says certified sex therapist Michelle Herzog, LMFT, CST. It’s a unique position—one that’s sure to keep your sex life exciting. 

In sexual relationships, especially long-term ones, it’s easy to develop a sexual script in the bedroom. “While that script is generally initially created based on the things that ‘work’ most efficiently and effectively—or even the things you love the most, that routine can start to feel like a rut with time,” says certified sex therapist Rachel Zar, PhD, LMFT, CST. Introducing novelty into your sexual repertoire—with positions like reverse cowgirl—can help spike interest and libido.

Ready to ride? Ahead, sex experts break down what the reverse cowgirl is, how to try it, and how to make it even hotter.

What is the reverse cowgirl position?

If you’ve tried cowgirl before, you’ll be a reverse pro in no time. During cowgirl, the receiving partner straddles the penetrating partner (who is typically lying on their back) while facing them. “The reverse variation involves the receiving partner mounting the penetrating partner while facing away from them,” says certified sex therapist Cayte Castrillon, PhD, CST. “The penetrating partner lies on their back while the receiving partner sits on top, facing their partner's feet.” The person on the bottom can bend their legs or leave them straight—whatever is more comfortable for both of you. Then, grab their thighs or knees for balance and start riding.

In regular cowgirl, the receiving partner faces toward their partner, allowing for eye contact, kissing, and chest-to-chest contact. Turning away, however, “offers visual stimulation for the penetrating partner, too, as they view their partner's back and butt,” Castrillon adds. The angle of penetration also differs significantly between cowgirl and reverse cowgirl. For one, reverse stimulates different internal areas—mainly, the front wall of the vagina, the G-spot, and even the A-spot, Zar says. Plus, the receiving partner can control depth, speed, and movement without as much upper-body contact. 

The language “cowgirl” is rooted in heteronormative culture, but people of any genders and sexual orientations can participate in the reverse position, says Kate Balestrieri, PsyD, clinical psychologist and author of What Happened To My Sex Life?. Disabled folks, or people with certain mobility considerations, should also give it a go. “The position is also versatile and can be adapted to various bodies, preferences, and comfort levels with minor adjustments,” Castrillon says. For the giver, the position is certainly more relaxed than, say, the lotus sex position (IYKYK). But it’s not a “lazy girl” option either, she adds. “It is a great position to work into your regular rotation, but it does require some leg and core strength [for the one on top].”

Benefits of the reverse cowgirl position

The reverse cowgirl presents a slew of benefits, whether you’re the giver or receiver. For those interested in power dynamics, this position is a great way to experiment. “It empowers the receiving partner to take control of the speed, angle, and depth, offering deeper penetration, if they choose,” Balestrieri says. The receptive partner can safely explore a lower-energy role in the submissive position. “As the partner on top, it requires being tuned in to your partner's body movements and rhythm,” Castrillon says. Mount your partner, do what pleases you, and who knows? You could awaken your inner dominatrix. 

The eye contact in regular cowgirl can be romantic—however, the absence of it can be equally intimate. Reverse cowgirl gives partners the ability to focus on other sensory experiences, bringing a different kind of intensity to pleasure and physical sensation, Balestrieri says. “The shift from face-to-face intimacy to a more physically-focused connection can heighten anticipation, create more vulnerability, [and] deepen embodiment and physical closeness in a relationship,” she adds. 

Not seeing each other's expressions means partners must verbalize their pleasure and preferences more explicitly. “The physical distance creates space for other forms of connection—like touch, sound, and sensation,” Castrillon says. Think: dirty talk, moaning, spanking, or hair-pulling—if you’re into that. “There is something incredibly sensual about the experience of having to depend on your partner's verbal and physical cues of pleasure without the benefit of visual cues,” she adds.

Another perk? The angle might allow for deeper penetration than other positions, says Zar. “The angle and rear-entry may be similar to a position like doggy style, but the stimulation of the front wall of the vagina makes it unique,” she adds. In reverse cowgirl, the penetrating partner can hit the G-spot, and maybe kickstart a full-body orgasm (if you’re lucky). What’s more, this position can even reach the A-spot, aka the little-known hot spot of nerve endings behind the G-spot. A penis, strap-on, or another toy can help you find that magical mark. 

Herzog says exploring new positions like this can also help couples reconnect with desire and curiosity, both of which are vital for enduring sexual satisfaction. “It can be a fun way to break from your sexual routine while keeping things hot, especially if you're up for taking control, deeper penetration, or want to show off your backside,” Balestrieri agrees. 

How to do the reverse cowgirl position

1. Start in cowgirl

It all starts with the penetrating partner on their back. “The receiving partner can straddle them in regular cowgirl, and carefully rotate 180 degrees to face their feet,” Balestrieri says. Or, if you’d prefer, you can face their feet right away. 

While in reverse cowgirl, you can stay on your knees the entire time—and even add some pillows under your knees for extra support. But, if you’re up for it, you can shift into a "catcher's squat,” positioning yourself on your feet over your penetrating partner, Castrillon says. Only do this if you feel confident in your leg strength, she adds. 

2. Slowly ease into penetration

Once you’ve lathered on lube, lower onto the penis or toy slowly, using your partner’s thighs or the bed for balance. Since this is an unconventional position, you might need to guide the penis or strap-on in using your hand. “After both partners feel comfortable with penetration, the receiving partner can experiment with angles, such as leaning forward for shallower strokes, or sitting upright for deeper penetration, to find the angle that provides the most pleasure,” Balestrieri says. 

If the angle still doesn’t feel quite right, the penetrating partner can prop themselves up with a sex ramp pillow under their hips. Zar says this simple addition could unlock a whole new sensation.

3. Find the rhythm

Since you won’t have direct eye contact, it might be difficult to find the groove right away. “Your usual non-verbal cues and [facial expressions] may not be effective when you're not facing each other,” Zar says. 

So, give yourself time. “First, instead of immediately thrusting, experiment with rocking or grinding to reduce strain,” Herzog says. Gentler movements can ensure your sexy time is lengthy and satisfactory. Once you feel ready, you can switch to bouncing. For more connection, have your partner align their thrusts with your bounces.

4. Stabilize yourself

Of course, you can use your partner’s legs for support or rhythm. But if you need a more stable anchor, reach for the headboard, a chair, or the armrest of a couch, depending on your location, Balestrieri says. If you’re on a bed, ask your partner to do a 180 so you’re closer to the headboard, aka your anchor. 

“Also, experiment with a mirror placement to create a visual connection despite facing away,” Castrillon suggests. Place it next to your head to see your partner’s reactions, or vice versa.

5. Add a sex toy (or two) 

Riding your partner might be enough stimulation for one day. But if something’s missing, consider incorporating your favorite toy, Zar says. “Since the receptive partner isn't pressed up against their partner's body, there's space to comfortably add vibration for extra intensity,” she adds. A vibrator on the clitoris or perineum might be most convenient here. Or, perhaps you both insert butt plugs for shared stimulation, Castrillon recommends. 

Don’t underestimate the power of non-genital toys, either. Play with nipple clamps, handcuffs, or even a blindfold, if you’re feeling kinky.

6. Experiment with sensation play

In reverse cowgirl, you can kick things up a notch with sensation play. “Light spanking, back scratching, hair-pulling, dirty talk, or role-playing can increase intimacy, whether you’re the giver or taker,” Balestrieri says. 

Feeling romantic? Reach back and hold your partner’s hands. The penetrating partner could also sit up and hold you from behind. 

7. Actively communicate

Reverse cowgirl can be pleasurable for both partners, as long as they actively communicate throughout the entire encounter. “Communication is essential to make adjustments as needed and to maximize pleasure,” Balestrieri says. 

Share your likes and dislikes with your partner, and invite them to do the same. For instance, ask them, “Does this feel good?” or “What do you want me to do to you?” to keep things sexy, while still maintaining an open dialogue. And don’t worry about this kind of chit-chat “killing the mood.” Herzog says checking in regularly ensures both partners are comfortable and enjoying the experience. 

8. Switch spots

Curious to view reverse cowgirl from your partner’s perspective, or feeling like you could use a break from riding? Switch roles. If you’re in a cis-heterosexual relationship, you might add a strap-on into the mix and experiment with anal play. If you both have vulvas, you can try this vaginally with a strap-on. “Novelty and variety keep sex exciting, engender intimacy, and create an arena in which partners can discover new pleasure points,” Balestrieri says. 

Whenever you're trying a new position, aim to keep the stakes low, Zar recommends. If you love the reverse cowgirl, great! You have a new go-to to add to your sexual repertoire. “If not, you can communicate that, celebrate trying a new thing, and switch to a position you enjoy better,” she adds. No harm, no foul.