Wellness

Receiver-on-Top Sex Guide: 5 Receiver-on-Top Sex Positions

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read

Giving the receiving partner more physical control in the bedroom can add new sensations to penetrative sex. Learn about the best positions for receiver-on-top sex.

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What Is Receiver-on-Top Sex?

In penetrative sex positions, one partner uses their penis or a strap-on dildo to penetrate their partner's vagina or anus. In classic penetrative sex positions like missionary position and doggy style, the penetrating partner controls the speed and rhythm of sex. In receiver-on-top positions, the receiver is in control.

3 Tips for Receiver-on-Top Sex

These tips will add comfort and ease to receiver-on-top positions:

  1. 1. Add props. Use a sex cushion to find the right angle for penetration. For seated and standing positions, yoga blocks, books, or other sturdy props can be useful for additional support. Taking the time to set up for positions can increase pleasure and help you stay in a position longer.
  2. 2. Use lube. Lubricant reduces friction and increases pleasure, and if you're engaging in anal play, lube is an absolute must for safety.
  3. 3. Add sex toys. There is a wide range of sex toys that can enhance receiver-on-top penetrative sex with extra stimulation. A finger vibrator is a small vibrator that can strap onto a finger, making it easy to access erogenous zones like the clitoris and perineum. Vulva owners might enjoy wearable vibrators that provide clitoral stimulation, and penis owners may want to wear a cock ring or a butt plug.

5 Receiver-on-Top Sex Positions

These sexual positions put the receiving partner in control.

  1. 1. Cowgirl position: This classic position lets the penetrating partner lie down while the receiving partner straddles them. Reverse cowgirl position is the same as cowgirl position—but with the partner on top facing their partner's feet rather than their face. In reverse cowgirl, the receiver may be able to lean all the way back to rest on their partner.
  2. 2. Seated cowgirl: This face-to-face position is great for making eye contact and/or stimulating each other's nipples and breasts. The penetrating partner sits up against a wall or headboard with their legs outstretched, and the receiving partner straddles them. You can also do this position in reverse.
  3. 3. Chair sex: The penetrating partner sits on an armless chair with their feet on the ground, and the receiving partner sits on their lap facing their partner. Both partners' feet should touch the ground or a prop, such as a yoga block, for stability and control.
  4. 4. Froggy style: In this position, the penetrating partner lies down and the receiving partner squats over their partner's penis or strap-on dildo. This position gives the partner on top control of the depth of penetration and allows space for external stimulation. An assist from a pillow or wedge can be especially helpful in this position.
  5. 5. Oral sex: Receiver-on-top oral sex can be great foreplay before penetrative sex. For vulva owners, straddle your partner's face, hovering just above their mouth. For penis owners, kneel over your partner. For this type of sex, it's especially important to have nonverbal "stop" and "slow down" cues.

Let’s Talk About Sex

Craving a little more intimacy? Grab a MasterClass Annual Membership and learn more about open communication with your partners, experimenting in the bedroom, and being your own best sexual advocate with a little help from Emily Morse (host of the wildly popular podcast Sex With Emily).