8 Standing Sex Positions For Beginners And Pros

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We have good news — 64% of you out there say that you are very happy in your relationships. However, the same study indicates that fewer than 50% are happy with their sex lives. Honestly, we think that it’s easier to spice up a sex life than it is to find a comfortable, compatible companion. One of the best ways is to try sex somewhere other than in your bed at night.

These eight standing sex positions let you take your lovemaking anywhere you want: most of them don’t need a bed, furniture, or any props at all. You can play anywhere in your house or even outside, as long as you have sufficient privacy. Read on for some ideas!

1. Carry Me

You’ve probably seen this iconic position in movies and TV shows, but we regular folks can enjoy it too! It does require strength and balance on the part of the penetrating partner, but since the cameras (probably) won’t be on, you can cheat a little by leaning against a wall for support or propping the receiving partner on a table or counter for a breather.

This is a romantic, intimate position with plenty of skin-to-skin and face-to-face contact. And while many standing sex positions are most successful when partners are close in height, this one works quite well when the receiving partner is smaller than the penetrating partner.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on a bed, couch, or other surface with their arms and legs spread.
The penetrating partner stands in front of the receiving partner, between their legs.
The penetrating partner lifts the receiving partner, and the receiving partner wraps their arms and legs around the penetrating partner.
The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

2. Pile Driver

This is a physically demanding position, but those who make it work agree that it’s worth it. You’ll get very deep penetration, and the angle almost guarantees G-spot stimulation. Plus, there’s a certain kind of dopamine hit that comes with achieving something difficult, and that can actually make the whole experience, and your orgasms, much stronger!

We recommend doing this with a blanket or towel under the receiving partner’s head and shoulders. Also, it’s worth noting that this position is a good choice for people with smaller-than-average penises (and conversely, people with larger-than-average penises should be careful not to knock the cervix, which is not a pleasant experience for the receiver).

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their back and gets into a plow pose, with the help of the penetrating partner if necessary.
The penetrating partner stands between the receiving partner’s legs and squats down until genitals are aligned.
The penetrating partner grasps the receiving partner’s thighs for support.
The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

3. Wheelbarrow

This is another position where it would be a very good idea to put a blanket or towel down for the receiving partner. It’s not quite as much of a workout as the pile driver position, but it’s not exactly easy either. You’ll need strength and balance to pull this one off.

If you do, though, you’ll get good deep penetration. A hidden bonus here is that the receiving partner often finds themself tightening the pelvic floor (like Kegel exercises) involuntarily, and this can make orgasms both easier and stronger.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner assumes a plank yoga pose with legs slightly spread.
The penetrating partner stands behind the receiving partner, between their legs.
The penetrating partner lifts the receiving partner’s legs, and the receiving partner wraps their legs around the penetrating partner’s waist.
The penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

4. Table Top

Unlike the two positions directly above, this position is actually easier than it looks — but that doesn’t make it any less fun! While there isn’t a lot of skin-to-skin contact here, you can maintain eye contact throughout to feel connected. It also lends itself well to role-play possibilities, so have fun with that!

Make sure that the table or counter you choose is stable and sturdy enough to support the receiving partner. The receiving partner can also place a small, firm cushion under their hips for support or to adjust the angle for deep penetration.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner lies on their back on a table or counter with their legs bent and spread.
The penetrating partner stands in front of the receiving partner, between their legs.
The receiving partner lifts their legs (with the penetrating partner’s help, if necessary) and rests them on the penetrating partner’s shoulders. The penetrating partner grasps the receiving partner’s thighs.
The receiving partner lifts their hips, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

5. Standing Oral Sex

Here’s another position with a whole lot of role-play potential. It’s also an obvious choice if you enjoy power-play dynamics or light BDSM (hair pulling, etc.). Our sketch shows a woman as the giving partner, but this position works both ways! We recommend putting down a folded blanket or towel, or even a gardening knee pad, to make it easier for the giving partner to stay down there as long as you both want.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner stands straight with legs slightly spread.
The giving partner kneels in front of the receiving partner.
The giving partner performs oral sex on the receiving partner.

6. Standing 69

If standing oral isn’t enough of a change of pace for you, may we suggest standing 69? We’ll be honest — the best thing about this crazy position is the bragging rights! It requires strength, balance, coordination, and concentration for both partners.

Still, if you can do this, it’s worth doing at least once. It is exciting, and the upside-down partner will experience increased sensation from the blood rush to the head. Communication is important with any kind of sex, but this position risks injury to sensitive areas so you’ll need to be very open with each other and call a halt as soon as you think that you need to.

What We’re Doing

Partners stand facing each other. The larger partner wraps their left arm around the smaller partner’s right side.
The larger partner then wraps their right arm around the smaller partner’s left leg.
The larger partner lifts and rotates the smaller partner.
The smaller partner rests their legs on the larger partner’s shoulders and wraps their arms around the larger partner’s waist.
Partners perform oral sex on each other.

7. Standing Doggy

If the pile driver and the standing 69 look more like work than fun to you, here’s a standing doggy-style position. This position is not physically demanding unless you want it to be; it is well-suited for rough play if and when you are in the mood for it. You can do it almost anywhere you can find a sturdy surface.

It also allows for good deep penetration. The standing doggy works well for anal sex too. And if you happen to own a sex machine, it is also ideal for that.

What We’re Doing

The receiving partner stands in front of a wall or counter with legs spread.
The penetrating partner stands behind the receiving partner, between their legs.
The receiving partner bends forward and braces themselves. The penetrating partner grasps the receiving partner’s hips.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

8. Ballet Dancer

Here we have another romantic, sensual position with full-body and face-to-face connection. It does require balance and stamina, but it is much more accessible than some of the other positions in this article.

Your pelvises will need to be aligned and this works best if you are of similar heights, but if you are not, you can use a small stepstool or even have the smaller partner stand on a stair.

What We’re Doing

Partners stand facing each other.
The receiving partner lifts one leg and wraps it around the penetrating partner’s waist.
The receiving partner braces against the penetrating partner’s shoulders and chest.
The penetrating partner supports the receiving partner’s lifted leg with one hand and their back with the other hand.
The receiving partner arches their back, and the penetrating partner uses their hand to guide their penis in.

Maggie

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Maggie Hart

Maggie Hart has written about sexual well-being and sexuality in society for quite a few years now. She is active in communities that celebrate sex for older adults.