Table of Contents
Reading time: 5 minutes | Last Updated: June 10, 2025
Quick Facts
- What It Is: You lie flat on your stomach while your partner kneels upright behind you for controlled rear-entry penetration
- Also Known As: Prone cowboy, upright prone bone, kneeling prone position, male-dominant prone style, cowboy-style prone penetration
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (perfect when you want serious heat without gymnastics)
- Best For: Deep penetration with complete control, lazy morning sessions, and when you want zero effort while receiving intense pleasure
- Why It’s Amazing: All the surrender of being pinned down with none of the crushing weight, plus great G-spot targeting from that upright angle
- Common Challenge: Finding that sweet spot angle that makes you both melt – takes a few tries but totally worth it
- Perfect Pairing: A firm wedge pillow for hip elevation, quality silicone-based lube for extended sessions, and a bullet vibrator like the We-Vibe Tango for clitoral stimulation during penetration
When Lazy Meets Lusty
Ever crave being completely taken but hate positions that feel like training? Welcome to your new favorite! The cowboy position is what happens when someone figured out how to bottle pure dominance and serve it with a side of “holy shit, don’t stop.”
You’re sprawled out like you own the place – completely flat, totally relaxed – while your partner kneels behind you like some kind of sexy overlord. It’s not the bone-crushing prone bone your back complains about, and it’s definitely not doggy style where you’re doing half the work on your knees.
This cowboy sex position creates something beautifully filthy: you get to be a gorgeous, willing participant while they handle absolutely everything from their commanding perch above you. The angle? Really clever. The power dynamic? Electric. The fact that you can just lie there and receive every delicious thrust? Priceless.
What Makes This Position Your Ace Up the Sleeve
Here’s what sets the cowboy position apart from every other move in your playbook:
You get to be a pillow princess: Sprawl out flat on your stomach and let them do absolutely everything. Your only job? Looking absolutely edible and making those sounds that turn them into putty.
They become your personal pleasure machine: Kneeling upright behind you, your partner has a good angle to hit spots that make your toes curl while keeping total control over every delicious thrust.
The angle is everything: This isn’t your partner crushing you like a pancake. Their upright cowboy style stance creates this great steep angle that targets places regular positions just can’t reach.
Power play without the performance: The natural height difference creates that nice dominant-submissive vibe that gets your blood racing – no costumes or scripts required.
How to Get This Right (Because Details Matter)
Ready to discover why this position has people canceling plans for “early bedtimes”? Here’s your step-by-step guide:
Getting Into Position
- Your setup: Face-plant onto the bed in the most dramatic, comfortable way possible. Legs together or slightly apart – whatever feels natural
- Arm placement: Under a pillow, stretched out like you’re sunbathing, or supporting your head – you’re the boss here
- Their approach: Your partner kneels behind you, finding that perfect spot between or straddling your thighs
- The entry: They slide in from above, using that nice steep angle their upright position creates
- Finding the rhythm: Start gentle and build to whatever pace makes you both lose your minds
The Magic Touch
Perfect timing, amazing sensations, and those little details that make everything click:
Pillow game strong: Slide a firm pillow under your hips and watch good become really incredible. This little lift hits your G-spot like it was specifically designed for the job – it’s the same elevation trick that makes the speed bump sex position so effective.

Leg experiments: Keep them together for that tight, gripping sensation that’ll make your partner’s eyes roll back, or spread slightly for easier access. Different positions = completely different experiences.
Their control center: From their kneeling throne, they can adjust speed, depth, and angle while their hands roam free to grab your hips, trace your spine, or reach around for exactly where you want it most. If you want even more intimate contact, the jockey position offers similar positioning with the added thrill of closer body connection.

I still remember the first time someone showed me the pillow trick – what started as “this feels nice” became “where have you been all my life?” in about three seconds flat.
Why This Position Makes Everyone a Believer
For the Receiver: Maximum Pleasure, Minimum Effort
The prone cowboy position is basically the luxury car of sex positions:
Minimum effort required: Your prone position means you can focus entirely on feeling everything instead of wondering if your knees are going to give out.
Tightness that’ll make you gasp: Lying flat naturally creates this snug fit that makes every movement feel more intense and your partner feel wonderfully full.
G-spot bullseye: That upright angle is like having a GPS system for your pleasure zones – it knows exactly where to go and hits the right spots consistently.
The psychology is intoxicating: Being completely spread out while they tower above you creates this delicious vulnerability that’s equal parts surrender and anticipation. Feel their breath on your neck as they find their rhythm – it’s pure electricity.
For the Giver: Power Plus Perfect Access
The cowboy style positioning is like being handed the keys to a Ferrari:
Total command: That upright kneeling stance puts you in charge of everything – speed, depth, angle, intensity.
The view is great: Watching your partner completely surrendered beneath you while you control every sensation? That’s the stuff fantasies are made of.
Leverage for days: The kneeling position gives you natural thrusting power while keeping your hands free to explore, grab, or add extra stimulation wherever it’s wanted most.
Endurance champion: Unlike positions where you’re holding your weight up, you can actually maintain this comfortably for 15-30 minutes (perfect for beginners) or as long as you both want to keep going. This makes it ideal for lazy morning sessions when your energy levels are different but your desire is definitely there.
Variations That’ll Keep You Coming Back
The Elevated Experience
Grab a firm pillow or wedge and slide it under those hips. This isn’t just comfort – it’s the difference between “that’s really nice” and “oh my god, what are you doing to me?” The elevation increases G-spot contact and can trigger sensations you didn’t know existed.
Wide-Stance Power Play
Your partner spreads their knees wider while you keep your legs together. This creates a different entry angle and allows for deeper penetration while maintaining that deliciously tight sensation that makes you both a little breathless.
Hands-On Domination
When your partner places their hands on your lower back or shoulders for extra leverage, it’s not just about control – it’s about that physical contact that adds to the whole “I’m completely at your mercy” vibe that makes this position so addictive.
Making It Work for Every Body (Because Everyone Deserves Great Sex)
Height Differences? No Problem
Different body proportions just need simple tweaks:
Taller partner: Use pillows to get your hips at the perfect height for natural entry Similar heights: You’re probably golden as-is Comfort concerns: Start with shorter sessions and work up to those marathon encounters gradually
Comfort is Sexy
Firm surface wins: A supportive mattress beats a squishy one every time for maintaining those perfect angles Temperature control: This position can get steamy fast – literally. Keep the room cool for longer adventures Stay hydrated: Trust me on this one, especially for extended sessions
This position is beautifully inclusive too – it works well regardless of your gender combination or what equipment you’re working with, whether that’s natural anatomy or your favorite strap-on. Speaking of inclusivity, our gay friends might want to check out the gay cowboy position for a variation specifically designed with their pleasure in mind.

Talking Dirty (And Smart) About What You Want
Before You Start
Chat about what you’re both excited to try. The cowboy position’s natural power dynamic makes open communication even more crucial – and honestly, talking about what you want is half the foreplay anyway. Research consistently shows that couples’ sexual communication is positively associated with sexual satisfaction across multiple dimensions, including arousal, orgasm, and overall sexual function – the same principle applies to exploring new positions together.
While You’re In Action
Simple directions like “deeper,” “slower,” or “right fucking there” help guide them to exactly what makes you see stars. This position is perfect for giving feedback without breaking the sexy spell.
Building That Trust
The prone positioning requires trust, especially when you’re new to it. Start gentle and build intensity as you both get more comfortable. That trust foundation? It’s where the real magic happens – the kind that has you both walking a little differently the next day.
Also worth noting: if you have lower back issues or knee problems, this position might not be your best bet. The prone partner should avoid this if they have any spinal concerns, and the kneeling partner needs decent knee health for sustained sessions.
When Things Don’t Go According to Plan
“This angle feels weird”
Fix it: Adjust that hip elevation with pillows or try different leg positioning. Sometimes moving your hips just an inch makes all the difference between awkward and “oh hell yes.”
“It’s way too intense”
Slow your roll: Start with barely-there movements and gradually build depth. Lube is your friend here, and constant check-ins keep everyone happy and comfortable.
“My knees are killing me” (For the giver)
Solutions: Take breaks, switch positions, or use furniture for support. Your knees will build endurance over time, but there’s no shame in working up to it gradually.
“We can’t figure out the entry angle”
Trial and error time: Experiment with different leg positioning and knee placement. Every couple is different, and finding your perfect combination is part of the fun exploration process.
One partner told me they spent three attempts getting this right, and by the fourth try, it became their go-to Saturday morning position. Sometimes the best things take a little practice.
Pro tip: A little foreplay goes a long way here. Since the prone position can be intense, make sure you’re both properly warmed up before diving in. The delicious weight of anticipation as they position themselves behind you is half the fun anyway.
Keep It Safe, Keep It Hot
Lube is Non-Negotiable
The prone position can create more friction than other angles, so quality lubricant isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential for keeping things slick and comfortable. Don’t skimp on this one.
Your Body Knows Best
That intense angle can sometimes be a bit much. If anything hurts (not just feels intensely good), stop and adjust positioning before continuing. Pain isn’t part of the pleasure equation here.
The skin-to-skin contact and warmth build up quickly in this position, which many couples find incredibly arousing – just keep some water nearby for longer sessions. As with any intimate activity, Mayo Clinic emphasizes that pain during sex should never be ignored – listen to your body’s signals and stop if anything hurts rather than feels intensely good.
Building Your Stamina
Both lying prone for extended periods and sustained kneeling take some getting used to. Start with shorter sessions and work up to those marathon encounters as your bodies adapt.
The Best Sexy Positions Verdict
The cowboy position is that rare combination of “why didn’t anyone tell me about this sooner?” and “I’m never going back to boring sex again.” It’s not just the unique prone angle or the delicious power dynamic – it’s about creating an experience where total surrender meets perfect control.
If you love the cowboy concept but want to switch up the dynamic, the cowboy missionary position offers that same commanding energy with face-to-face intimacy.

This upright prone bone variation consistently delivers the kind of focused, intense pleasure that has couples texting each other dirty messages about “tonight’s plans” all day long. The combination of zero effort for the receiver and total control for the giver creates a dynamic that works on every level.
BSP has put this position through its paces, and we can say it earns a permanent spot in your rotation. The cowboy position has earned its certification by delivering experiences that transform routine encounters into something that keeps you both coming back for more.
Ready to discover what happens when relaxation meets domination? Try this BSP-certified position and find out why some couples joke that they need to schedule “recovery time” afterward. Just don’t blame us when you start canceling evening plans for “early bedtime research.”
More Positions That’ll Drive You Wild
If the cowboy position has you hooked and you want to explore similar territory within our doggy style positions collection:
Prone Bone Position

When you want that full-body-weight experience instead of the upright approach
Flat Iron Position

For an even tighter sensation with legs pressed together that intensifies every movement
Your Burning Questions Answered
What exactly makes the cowboy position different from regular prone bone? In traditional prone bone, your partner lies on top of you with their full weight. In the cowboy position, they kneel upright behind you, creating completely different angles and power dynamics. You get the tight, prone sensation without feeling like a pancake, plus they get better leverage for deeper, more controlled thrusting.
Is this position actually good for beginners or do you need experience? This is perfect for beginners! The prone positioning is super comfortable and relaxing, while the kneeling partner has complete control over intensity. Start slow, use plenty of lube, and communicate about what feels good. It’s way easier than trying to master complex positions that require flexibility or stamina.
How do we make the cowboy position work if there’s a big height difference? Height differences are totally manageable – that’s what pillows are for! Use a firm pillow or wedge under the receiving partner’s hips to get the perfect alignment. Sometimes the taller partner needs to spread their knees wider or adjust their kneeling position. A few small tweaks and you’ll find your perfect fit.
Can we use toys with this position without things getting awkward? Absolutely – this position is fantastic for toy play! A bullet vibrator works perfectly for clitoral stimulation, and the kneeling partner’s hands are free to control it. You can also add anal plugs or other toys easily. The key is starting without toys, getting comfortable with the position, then adding extras once you’ve got the rhythm down.
Does the upright cowboy position work for all body types and orientations? Yes! This position adapts beautifully to different bodies and works great regardless of your gender combination or what equipment you’re working with – natural anatomy or strap-ons. The prone positioning is comfortable for larger bodies, and the kneeling partner can adjust their stance for any height or flexibility differences. It’s one of the most adaptable positions out there.