The best sex positions for beginners are simple, comfortable, and don’t require flexibility or strength. Top options include missionary (with variations), spooning, cowgirl (woman on top), doggy style, and side-by-side positions. Start with positions that allow eye contact and communication, control the depth and speed, and don’t put pressure on either partner’s stamina or technique.
Starting your sexual journey and wondering which positions to try first?
You’re not alone. One of the most common questions new couples ask is “What position should we start with?” The internet is full of complicated positions that require gymnastics skills – not exactly beginner-friendly.
Here’s the truth: the best sex positions for beginners are simple, comfortable, and allow both partners to relax and enjoy the experience.
This guide covers 15 easy positions perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting to get back to basics. If you’re [preparing for your first night together](link to Blog 1), this is your practical roadmap.
What Makes a Position “Beginner-Friendly”?
Before we dive into specific positions, let’s understand what makes a position good for beginners.
Beginner-friendly positions are:
- Simple to get into – No complicated setup or flexibility required
- Comfortable for both partners – No strain, pain, or awkward angles
- Allow for communication – Eye contact or easy conversation
- Easy to control – Can adjust depth, speed, and intensity
- Don’t require stamina – Work well even if you don’t last long
- Forgiving – Room for error without breaking the mood
Avoid as a beginner:
Positions requiring strength or endurance
Positions where you can’t see each other
Complicated angles or balancing acts
Positions that put all the work on one person
Important reminder: Always start with [proper foreplay](link to Blog 5). No position works well without adequate preparation and arousal.
15 Best Sex Positions for Beginners
Classic Positions (1-5)
1. Missionary (Classic)
How to do it:
- She lies on her back
- He positions himself on top, face-to-face
- Support your weight on your elbows or hands
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Simple and natural
- Eye contact and kissing throughout
- He controls depth and speed
- She can wrap her legs around him for deeper penetration
- Easy to communicate
Pro tip: Put a pillow under her hips to change the angle and increase comfort.
Stamina note: If you’re working on [lasting longer](link to Blog 6), missionary gives you good control over your movements.
2. Spooning
How to do it:
- Both partners lie on their sides, facing the same direction
- He enters from behind while both are lying down
- Her back is against his chest
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Very intimate and relaxing
- Low energy required
- Shallow penetration (gentle and comfortable)
- Perfect for slow, sensual sex
- Great for morning sex or when tired
Pro tip: This position is ideal for building connection slowly without pressure.
3. Woman on Top (Cowgirl)
How to do it:
- He lies on his back
- She straddles him, kneeling or squatting
- She controls movement and depth
Why it’s great for beginners:
- She controls everything (pace, depth, angle)
- Takes pressure off him to “perform”
- Higher chance of her reaching orgasm
- He can touch her breasts and body
- Great view for both partners
Beginner variation: She can lean forward and rest her hands on his chest for more support and intimacy.
Note: This position helps if you’re concerned about finishing too quickly, as she sets the pace.
4. Modified Missionary (Legs on Shoulders)
How to do it:
- Start in missionary position
- She rests her legs on his shoulders or chest
- Creates a tighter angle
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Small variation from basic missionary
- Deeper penetration without complicated positioning
- Still allows eye contact
- He still controls the movement
Warning: Start gentle – this creates deeper penetration which can be intense.
5. Edge of the Bed
How to do it:
- She lies on her back at the edge of the bed
- He stands at the edge
- Her legs can rest on his shoulders, around his waist, or on the bed
Why it’s great for beginners:
- He doesn’t need to support his weight
- Great angle for penetration
- Easy to control depth and speed
- Comfortable for both partners
Pro tip: Adjust the bed height with pillows if needed.
Side & Intimate Positions (6-10)
6. Side-by-Side (Face to Face)
How to do it:
- Both lie on your sides facing each other
- Legs intertwined
- He enters at an angle
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Extremely intimate with lots of eye contact
- Very low energy required
- Perfect for slow, sensual sex
- Great for kissing throughout
- No pressure on either partner
Best for: When you want connection over intensity.
7. Lazy Doggy (Modified Doggy Style)
How to do it:
- She lies flat on her stomach
- He lies on top of her back
- He enters from behind while both are lying down
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Easier than regular doggy style
- More intimate than standard doggy
- Comfortable for both partners
- He can kiss her neck and shoulders
- Good G-spot stimulation
Pro tip: Put a pillow under her hips for better angle.
8. Reverse Cowgirl (Easy Version)
How to do it:
- He lies on his back
- She sits on top facing his feet
- She controls movement
Why it’s great for beginners:
- She’s in complete control
- Different sensation than regular cowgirl
- He can hold her hips and guide
- Great view for him
Beginner tip: She can lean forward and rest her hands on his legs for more support.
9. Scissor Position
How to do it:
- Both lie on your sides
- Legs form an “X” or scissor shape
- He enters at an angle
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Unique angle without being complicated
- Minimal effort required
- Can maintain eye contact
- Allows for clitoral stimulation
- Very intimate
10. The Butterfly
How to do it:
- She lies on her back on a table/bed edge
- Her hips at the very edge
- He stands and enters while she lies back
Why it’s great for beginners:
- He controls everything while standing
- No weight on either partner
- Great angle for deep penetration
- Can maintain eye contact
- Easy to control pace
Adventurous but Still Easy
11. Sitting Position
How to do it:
- He sits on a chair or edge of bed
- She sits on his lap facing him
- She can move or he can guide her hips
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Very intimate with lots of eye contact
- Great for kissing and touching
- Shared control of movement
- Works well in different locations (chair, couch, bed)
Perfect for: Building intimacy and connection.
12. Doggy Style (Classic)
How to do it:
- She kneels on all fours
- He kneels behind her
- He controls depth and speed
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Natural and instinctive position
- Deep penetration
- He has great control
- Can reach around to touch her
Note: Start gentle and communicate. This position can be intense.
Stamina tip: Doggy style can make you finish faster – alternate with slower positions if you’re [working on stamina](link to Blog 6).
13. Legs Up Missionary
How to do it:
- She lies on her back
- She pulls her knees toward her chest
- He enters from above
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Variation of missionary (familiar)
- Very deep penetration
- Still allows intimacy and kissing
- Easy to transition from basic missionary
Tip: She controls depth by how far she pulls her legs up.
14. The Bridge
How to do it:
- She lies on her back
- He kneels and lifts her hips to his level
- He holds her hips or lower back
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Unique angle without being too complicated
- Deep penetration
- Great G-spot stimulation
- Visually exciting for both
Note: Use a pillow under her upper back for comfort.
15. Standing (Against Wall)
How to do it:
- She stands facing a wall with hands on it
- He stands behind her
- He enters from behind while both standing
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Simple standing position
- Wall provides support
- Different sensation from bed positions
- Exciting but not complicated
- Good for spontaneity
Pro tip: Adjust for height differences by having her wear heels or him bending knees.
How to Choose Which Position to Try First
Start with these 3:
- Missionary – Most familiar, intimate, easy
- Spooning – Gentle, relaxed, low pressure
- Woman on top – Gives her control, takes pressure off him
Then experiment with:
- Edge of bed (if missionary feels good)
- Sitting (if you want more intimacy)
- Lazy doggy (if you want something different)
The rule: Start simple, communicate throughout, and only try new positions when you’re both comfortable.
Tips for Trying New Positions
1. Always use proper foreplay first
No position works well without arousal. Spend 15-20 minutes on [foreplay techniques](link to Blog 5) before attempting any position.
2. Communicate constantly
Ask: “Does this feel good?” “Should I go slower/faster?” “Different angle?”
3. Use lube if needed
Makes everything more comfortable and enjoyable. No shame in it.
4. Don’t force it
If a position doesn’t work, laugh it off and try something else. Sex should be fun, not frustrating.
5. Start slow in every new position
Don’t start pounding immediately. Start gentle, find the rhythm, then increase intensity.
6. Transition smoothly between positions
You don’t need to try 10 positions in one session. Start with one, maybe transition to a second if it feels natural.
7. Focus on what feels good
Don’t do positions just because they “look cool.” Do what actually feels pleasurable for both of you.
Common Beginner Position Mistakes
Trying too many positions in one session
Stick to 1-2 positions per session when starting out. Quality over quantity.
Comparing yourself to porn
Porn positions are often uncomfortable and impractical. Real sex is different.
Ignoring her comfort
Check in frequently. If something hurts, stop immediately.
Rushing into advanced positions
Master the basics before trying positions that require flexibility or strength.
Not using pillows for support
Pillows can make any position more comfortable. Use them strategically.
Forgetting about her pleasure
Positions should work for BOTH partners. If she’s not enjoying it, switch.
Which Positions Help You Last Longer?
If you’re concerned about [lasting longer in bed](link to Blog 6), choose positions where:
She’s on top – Less stimulation for you, she controls pace
Spooning – Slower, more controlled movements
Side-by-side – Gentle, low-intensity
Avoid if you finish too quickly:
Doggy style (very stimulating)
Fast-paced positions
Positions with very deep penetration
Pro tip: Switch positions when you feel close to finishing. The brief pause helps you last longer.
Final Thoughts
The best sex position for beginners is whichever one feels comfortable, pleasurable, and intimate for both of you.
Remember:
- Start simple – missionary, spooning, woman on top
- Communication is more important than technique
- Comfort beats complexity every time
- There’s no “right” position – only what works for you both
- Take your time and don’t rush
- Laugh at the awkward moments – they happen to everyone
Sex gets better with practice and communication. Don’t stress about being “good” right away. Focus on connecting with your partner, understanding what turns her on and enjoying the experience together