Ultimately, knowing how to have great sex is about creating feelings of love and intimacy, so while learning new positions and trying out different ideas in bed is part of the fun, the real payoff is the way various maneuvers allow you to connect and explore each other in different ways. RELATED: 8 Sex Positions Men Hate (And Really Wish Women Would Stop Trying) And yes, men love them — but mostly because they increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm from penetration alone.
Best Sex Positions For Men
1. Woman on Top
Photo: Michal Beno / Shutterstock Ask your guy what drives him crazy in the bedroom, and we’re betting he’ll say it’s pleasing you. This sexy position puts you in the driver’s seat, and that’s exactly where he wants you. Take advantage of being in control and set the pace according to what you like, leaving his hands free to roam. The bonus? He loves having your curves in full view … so flip on the lights and give him a show.
2. Missionary Position
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock This standard go-to is a favorite because it puts him in control, while still being intimate: your hips are free to do all the work, and you can lock lips and eyes with ease. And while he’s in the power position on top of you, the two of you can set the pace together. If you want him to go slower or deeper, put your hands on his hips and guide him. The best sex is like a conversation, and missionary allows you to communicate with your bodies.
3. Reverse Cowgirl
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock This reverse variation of the woman on top position is the best of both worlds for your guy. It gives him the sexy view he gets during doggie style but it puts you in control. This position doesn’t allow for a ton of touching or eye contact, but it’s a nice contrast to some of the more classic, romantic positions. If you’re craving a connection, flash a look back at him while you’re doing your thing — it’ll drive both of you over the edge.
4. Doggy Style
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock This rear-entry position puts men in control, allowing them to call the shots and to go at the speed that they enjoy. Plus, it allows for deeper penetration, making men feel like kings in the bedroom. Some women love the intense full feeling, but if it feels like too much, let him know. Communication is key to enjoying sex and experiencing the full psychological benefits of physical intimacy.
5. Standing Up
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock Having sex while standing up is probably not your go-to move, but it’s perfect for that sweaty, gotta-have-you-now kind of intimacy that’ll make him feel irresistible. Whether he’s bending you over the new kitchen table or you’re steadying yourself against the wall, this spontaneous position is perfect for a quickie.
6. Spooning
Photo: Martial Red / Shutterstock Sex while spooning is the ultimate intimate position and a go-to for when you’re feeling lazy and affectionate. Not only does it give him total access to your body, it also frees your digits up so that you can give yourself a hand while masturbating, a move that’s sure to drive him wild. Make it even hotter by twisting your body and head slightly toward him so you can smooch while his hands roam. Afterward, you can slip into an easy, snuggly sleep.
7. The Lap Dance
Pull up a chair and have him take a seat while you get on top. He’ll love the look and feel of you straddling him, and having you in control will help him last longer, too. A bonus? Unlike the standard woman-on-top position, this one allows you to stay super close, kiss, and make eye contact. Plus, he still gets to be aggressive with his hands, tugging on your hair, rubbing your back, and pulling you closer.
8. The Valedictorian
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock This is like Missionary but so much better. With him on top, have him put your ankles up by his shoulders so your legs make a “V”. You’ll still get to enjoy plenty of eye contact, but the super deep penetration makes it feel way naughtier.
9. The Pretzel
This is one you’ve probably never tried before, but trust us, you’ll be doing you and your man a huge favor by introducing it. First, lay down on your side. Leave your bottom leg flat and outstretched while raising your top leg and wrapping it around his waist. He will kneel, straddling your bottom leg, and enter you. He can also use his hand to support your raised leg while thrusting. The angle of your bodies gives him an incredible view of the action (a huge turn on for guys) and since neither of you is in total control, you’ll have to work together to find a rhythm that will send you both over the edge, making this a great position for feeling a mental connection. RELATED: 10 Sex Positions That Make Women Orgasm (You’ve Probably Never Tried Before)
10. The Flatiron
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock Looking for a twist on rear-entry positions? Give the Flatiron a go. You will lay down on your stomach in a plank position while your man straddles you. Then raise your hips towards him to allow for deeper penetration. The tighter fit feels great for him, and this position allows you two to feel the intimacy and closeness of missionary while still indulging your primal side.
11. Angled Missionary
The man is on top just like standard Missionary, but angled about 45 degrees to the side. You’ll both benefit from an entirely new sensation, but he’ll get way more friction while still being able to enjoy closeness with you. Want to make this even hotter? Try squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for a pulsing sensation that will drive him wild.
12. Butterfly
The Butterfly is pretty simple, but really hot. You lie back on the edge of the bed while he stands or kneels next to it to enter you. Practically every inch of your body is on display in this position, and, without a doubt, he’ll think it’s incredibly sexy. He’s definitely in the dominant role, but seeing you in a slightly vulnerable way enjoying every move he makes will drive him crazy.
13. The Lotus
With both of you sitting upright, straddle your man and wrap your legs around him for an even more intimate take on the woman-on-top position. You’ll both benefit from deep penetration, and he’s in a prime spot to stimulate your breasts, so you’ll be rocking your way to O-town in no time.
14. Kitchen Confidential
Photo: MicroOne / Shutterstock Sometimes, a change of scenery is just what you need to spice things up. This super spontaneous position is named for the kitchen, but just about any solid, hip-level surface would do. You will sit on the counter and wrap your legs around his thighs or butt. He’ll love being able to set the pace while your hands are free to touch him all over.
15. The Sidewinder
Here you get all the benefits of Spooning plus major eye contact and kissing with both of you having your hands free to pull each other closer. Lay down facing each other on your sides and lift your upper leg to let him enter you. Then wrap your leg tightly around his and use your muscles and the friction to thrust strongly. Want to rev things up? Keep your legs close together to give him an extra snug fit for more powerful stimulation.
16. Eyes To The Sky
Photo: Tymur Raccoon / Shutterstock Start off in reverse cowgirl and slowly lean back so your back is on his chest and you’re both facing the ceiling. He’ll love the extra skin-on-skin contact and being able to wrap his arms around you as you rock your hips back and forth. Even better? Since it’s harder for him to go deep, he’ll last way longer.
17. Waterfall
The Waterfall is intense for him. Have your man lay on his back with his shoulders and head hanging down on the floor. With you doing all the work, he can just sit back, relax and enjoy. So what makes this so special? The head rush will give him a sensation like he’s never felt before when he finishes. (Just save this one for last so he doesn’t get uncomfortable.) RELATED: 9 Sex Positions That Help You Fall In Love (Yes, Really!) Diana Vilibert is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, The New Yorker, Redbook, Paste Magazine and Self.