Reverse Cowgirl: Complete Guide to This Popular Position
Reverse cowgirl puts her in control while offering him a different view and sensation. Here is everything you need to know about doing this position safely and pleasurably.
Wellness writer focused on practical advice for better intimate experiences.

The first time I tried reverse cowgirl I had no idea what I was doing. Just kind of climbed on facing the wrong way and hoped for the best. It was awkward. His legs were in the way. I could not figure out where to put my hands. Took us a few tries before we figured out how to make it actually work well.
Reverse cowgirl is basically regular cowgirl but you face his feet instead of his face. Sounds simple enough but that one change affects everything. Different view for him. Different sensation for both. Different angle hitting different spots. Here is what I have learned about making this position actually feel good.
Getting Into Position
He lies on his back. You straddle him but face toward his feet instead of his face. Lower yourself down controlling how deep it goes. Your knees go on either side of his hips or you can squat if you prefer that. Lean forward a bit and put your hands on his thighs or on the bed for balance.
The movement is up to you since you are on top. Bouncing up and down works. Grinding forward and back works. Circular hip rotations work. He can thrust from below but you set the main rhythm. Mix it up rather than doing just one motion the whole time.
What Makes It Good
For her there is complete control over speed and depth and angle. The position often hits the G-spot well especially if you lean forward. You can easily reach down and touch yourself during penetration. And honestly some women find it less intimidating than face to face cowgirl because there is less pressure about facial expressions.
For him the view from behind is a big part of the appeal. Watching her back and butt while she moves. The angle creates different friction than other positions. He can lie back and let her do the work which is nice sometimes. His hands are free to touch her back and grab her hips and reach around to her breasts.
Different Ways to Do It
Leaning back instead of forward changes everything. Put your hands on his chest or beside his shoulders. This shifts the penetration angle and you can turn your head for some eye contact. Feels more connected even though you are still facing away.
Squatting instead of kneeling allows for deeper bouncing. More athletic and more tiring but great for short intense bursts. Your legs will burn though so do not expect to maintain it forever.
Extending your legs backward along his body instead of kneeling creates a tighter fit. Movement becomes grinding instead of bouncing. Different sensation entirely.
Him sitting against the headboard while you ride facing away adds support. You can lean back against his chest. More intimate despite not facing each other. Works on a chair too. He sits on a sturdy chair and you straddle facing away. The chair gives stability and he can plant his feet to thrust up.
The Safety Thing Nobody Talks About
Real talk. Reverse cowgirl actually has a higher injury risk than most positions. The concern is something called penile fracture which sounds terrifying because it kind of is. It happens when the erect penis bends too far during vigorous movement. Specifically when you lift too high and come down at the wrong angle or when it slips out and you land on it bent.
This is not meant to scare you away from the position. Millions of people enjoy it safely. But it is worth being mindful. Keep movements controlled especially early on. Do not lift so high that it could slip out. If the angle starts feeling wrong he should say something immediately. Start slow and build intensity gradually. Wild bouncing from the very start is how injuries happen.
Making It Comfortable
Your legs will get tired. Woman on top positions require leg strength and this one especially. Use his thighs or the bed for hand support. Switch between kneeling and squatting as different muscles fatigue. When bouncing gets exhausting switch to grinding for a bit. A pillow under your knees helps on hard surfaces.
For him a pillow under his head helps him see better. Bending his knees slightly gives you something to lean back against if you want that support. He should speak up if the angle starts feeling uncomfortable or painful.
Adding More Stimulation
This position gives you easy access to touch yourself. Use your hand or a small vibrator on your clitoris while riding. He can try reaching around but honestly the angle makes that tricky. You touching yourself is usually the easier solution.
His hands are free to caress your back. Grab and squeeze your butt. Hold your hips to guide movement. If you are both into anal play this position gives him easy access for external touch or toy use. Obviously only with your consent and proper preparation.
Problems You Might Run Into
Not knowing what to do is common the first few times. If you are unsure start with simple up and down bouncing. Try grinding forward and backward. Experiment with circular hip movements. Ask what feels good. And pay attention to your own body since what feels good to you probably creates good sensations for him too.
Legs getting tired is inevitable. Switch between bouncing and grinding. Let him thrust from below while you rest. Take breaks in other positions. Use squatting only for short bursts since it is exhausting.
If it keeps slipping out you are probably lifting too high. Keep movements in a range where slippage is unlikely. Focus on grinding rather than big bounces. He can hold the base for stability. Adjust your lean angle if things are not lining up right.
Feeling self conscious about the view is real. Your partner is staring at your back and butt the whole time. Dim lighting helps if this bothers you. Remember they are there because they are attracted to you. Wear something like thigh highs or open lingerie if that makes you feel better. Or just try regular cowgirl if the reverse view makes you too uncomfortable.
When This Position Works Well
Reverse cowgirl is great when you want control over penetration angle and depth. When either of you enjoys the visual aspect. When you want variety from face to face positions. When you want easy access to touch yourself. When he wants to lie back and let you take the lead.
It is not great when you want emotional intimacy and eye contact. Or when you are already tired from being on top. Or when the angle is causing pain for either person. Not every position works for every couple.
The Real Takeaway
Reverse cowgirl is a staple position for good reason. Control for her. A view for him. Different sensation for both. The key is controlled movement and communication and finding the angle that works for your specific bodies.
Start slower than you think you need to especially if you are new to it. Build up as you both get comfortable with the mechanics. Be mindful about the injury risk without being paranoid. And if it is not working for you there is no rule saying you have to like any particular position. Good sex is about what actually feels good not performing positions you think you should try.
About the Author
Maya Thompson
Wellness writer focused on practical advice for better intimate experiences.


