What is Reverse Cowgirl?

Reverse Cowgirl: Reverse cowgirl is a sex position where the partner on top straddles their partner while facing toward their feet instead of their face, giving a different view and a different angle of penetration.

Also known as: reverse rodeo, backwards cowgirl.

Reverse cowgirl is a sex position where one partner lies on their back while the other straddles them facing away, toward the bottom partner's feet rather than their face. It is a twist on the classic cowgirl position, and the change in direction shifts the angle of penetration, the view, and who controls the pace.

If you have only tried it once and found it awkward, you are not alone. It takes a bit of practice to find your balance and your rhythm, and that is completely normal. Once you get the hang of it, a lot of people find it gives a sense of control and a sensation they cannot get any other way.

What Is the Reverse Cowgirl Position

In reverse cowgirl, the bottom partner lies on their back while the top partner straddles them, knees on either side of the hips, facing away toward the bottom partner's legs and feet. The top partner controls the depth, angle, and speed of movement, which makes it a favorite for people who like to set their own pace.

This position works for penis in vagina sex, penis in anus sex, and strap-on play. It also adapts well to vibrator use, since the top partner's hands are free and their clitoris or perineum stays easy to reach. The bottom partner gets a view of their partner's back and backside instead of their face, which some couples find is a nice change of pace and others find takes some getting used to.

How to Get Into Reverse Cowgirl Step by Step

Start with the bottom partner lying flat on their back on a bed or other flat surface. The top partner then straddles them facing toward their feet, with knees bent on either side of the bottom partner's hips or thighs. Take a moment here to line things up slowly rather than rushing straight into penetration.

Once you are lined up, lower yourself down slowly and check in about how it feels before picking up any speed. You can lean forward and rest your hands on the bottom partner's shins or knees for balance, or sit up tall and use your own thigh strength to control the rhythm. Some people also like to plant their feet flat on the mattress instead of kneeling, which gives more power for faster movement.

If balance feels tricky at first, try starting in regular cowgirl and simply turning around once you are settled. That gives you a steady starting point before you switch direction.

Reverse Cowgirl Tips for Comfort and Control

Knee and thigh strain is the most common complaint with this position, especially if you are new to it. A pillow under the knees can help, and taking breaks to shift your weight keeps your legs from getting tired too fast. There is no need to power through discomfort, slowing down or pausing is always fine.

Leaning forward changes the angle and often creates more friction against the front vaginal wall, while sitting upright gives a different feel and lets you control depth more precisely. Try both and see what your body responds to. Since eye contact is limited in this position, check in with words, a squeeze of the hand, or a light tap instead of relying on a glance to know how your partner is doing.

Can You Use Toys During Reverse Cowgirl

This position leaves the top partner's hands free, which makes it easy to add a couples toy without breaking rhythm. A small clitoral vibrator held against the body during movement is a simple way to add extra sensation. Wearable vibrating rings can also work well for penis in vagina sex, adding stimulation for both partners at once.

Remote control toys are another option, since the bottom partner can control the settings while the top partner focuses on movement and balance. Always use a water based lube with silicone toys, since silicone lube can break down silicone material over time. Whatever toy you bring in, go slow the first time so you can figure out what placement actually works for your bodies.

Is Reverse Cowgirl Safe for Beginners

Reverse cowgirl is generally a low risk position, but the angle does deserve some care. Reverse cowgirl falls into the broader woman on top or receiving partner on top category, and research on penile fracture, a rare but serious injury, has found this broad category carries a higher relative risk than some other positions, often because the penis can slip out and strike the pubic bone or body at an angle if movement is sudden or forceful. This research looks at woman on top positions generally rather than singling out the reverse facing variation specifically. Going slowly, especially when first entering or changing angle, greatly reduces this risk.

Knee and hip strain is more common than injury, so pace yourself and use pillows for support if you need them. If you are trying this with a strap-on or other insertable toy, make sure it has a secure, flared base and stays firmly attached during movement. If anything ever feels sharply painful rather than just intense, stop and reposition. A doctor is the right person to talk to about any ongoing pain or discomfort during sex.

How to Talk to Your Partner About Trying Reverse Cowgirl

If you want to try this position with a partner, bring it up outside the bedroom first so nobody feels put on the spot. Something simple like telling them you read about it and want to try it together works fine. Naming what interests you about it, whether that is the control it gives or the different sensation, helps your partner understand what you are hoping to get out of it.

Once you are trying it, keep the conversation going. A quick check in about pace, depth, or whether an angle feels good goes a long way, since eye contact is limited in this position. If it does not click on the first try, that is normal. Positions often take a few tries before they feel natural for both of you.

Reverse Cowgirl vs Cowgirl: Quick Comparison

Types of Reverse Cowgirl

Reverse cowgirl has a few common variations depending on posture and support.

• Leaning Forward Reverse Cowgirl: The top partner leans forward onto the bottom partner's legs for deeper penetration and easier access to a clitoral toy.
• Upright Reverse Cowgirl: The top partner sits tall, using their own thigh strength for a slower and more controlled pace.
• Squatting Reverse Cowgirl: The top partner plants their feet flat instead of kneeling, which allows faster and more powerful movement.
• Edge of the Bed Reverse Cowgirl: The bottom partner lies with legs off the bed while the top partner stands or squats, giving a different anchor point and easier support.
• Reverse Cowgirl With a Toy: A wearable or hand held toy is added for extra clitoral or perineal stimulation during the position.

Key Things to Know

• The top partner controls depth and pace in reverse cowgirl, which helps people who like to set their own rhythm.
• The facing away angle changes sensation because of the curve of the penis or dildo, so it is worth easing into slowly.
• Free hands during the position make it easy to add a couples toy like a clitoral vibrator for extra stimulation.
• Knee and thigh strain are common, so pillows and pacing help beginners stay comfortable longer.
• Eye contact is limited in this position, so checking in with words or touch matters more than usual.

FAQ

Related Terms

Cowgirl · G Spot · Doggy Style

Sources

• National Institutes of Health (PMC): “"Woman on top" was the potentially riskiest sexual position (50%).”
• Planned Parenthood: “Not safe for use with silicone sex toys (can degrade the material)”