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- The eagle sex position is just like missionary, but with the legs of the bottom partner spread open.
- This leaves the penetrating partner's hands free to stimulate the bottom person's genitals.
- To make it feel even better, you can use lube and try rocking back and forth instead of thrusting.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
If you enjoy missionary sex but want to switch things up a bit, it's time to try the eagle sex position.
Almost everything about the eagle position is similar to missionary, making it an easy – but very sexy – position to switch into.
Here's how to do the eagle position, as well as a sex therapist's tips on how to maximize pleasure while you're in it.
How to do the eagle sex position
The eagle sex position is essentially missionary, but with the legs of the bottom partner spread open, says Rachel Zar, LMFT, CST, a sex therapist at Spark Chicago Therapy and the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine & Menopause.
Here's how to do to the eagle sex position in three easy steps:
- The partner being penetrated lies down flat on the bed.
- The penetrating partner (whether they are using their penis or a strap on) gets on top, missionary style.
- The partner being penetrated lifts their legs up and open into a "V" shape.
Like missionary, Zar says the eagle is a position that can reliably feel good for both partners for a couple of different reasons.
First, the partner on top has access to their partner's vulva, allowing the top person to stimulate their partner with their hands. "The more surface area you have, the more pleasure you potentially have in terms of finding feel-good friction," says Zar.
Second, the eagle position allows for deep penetration, if that's something both partners enjoy. With the bottom partner's legs spread open, it allows for the top partner to go deeper, which can feel great for a penetrating partner with a penis and a receiving partner with a vagina.
Tips to maximize pleasure while in the eagle sex position
The eagle sex position is pleasurable on its own, but you can try the following tips from Zar that may amp up your enjoyment even more:
1. Try the Coital Alignment Technique (CAT): The CAT involves putting a pillow under the bottom partner's butt, so their clitoris can rub against their partner's body. This may give the partner on the bottom a better chance of orgasming, since a 2017 study found that 36.6% of women need clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm during penetrative sex.
2. Try rocking instead of thrusting: While sex typically involves a lot of thrusting, this position is a great chance to switch it up and have the partner on top use a grinding or rocking, back-and-forth motion, to create more friction. This is especially useful with the CAT technique, since the partner on top will be rubbing against the bottom partner's clitoris.
3. Use lubricant: Using lube can enhance sex in many positions, including the eagle. This can help if the partner being penetrated isn't producing enough of their own natural lubricant, to ensure pain-free sex. "Even if you are lubricated, extra slipperiness can feel great - plus, it decreases friction, which will decrease the chances of any vaginal tearing or of condoms ripping," says Zar.
You can even apply it to the external genitalia since there will be a lot of vulvae exposed in this position. Zar says this can reduce uncomfortable friction, chafing, or "rug burn" from pubic hair.
4. Use a buffer: While some people with vaginas love deep penetration, it can be very painful for others, such as people with endometriosis. If you have pain with deep penetration, you can still enjoy this position with some modifications. The partner on the bottom can hold the base of their partner's penis or strap on to have some more control, or you can use a specifically designed buffer that goes on the penis, like the Ohnut to control the depth of penetration.
Eagle sex position variations
No sex position is one size fits all, and sometimes variations can make the sex position more accessible to couples it otherwise wouldn't be. Here are a couple of variations that Zar recommends if the traditional eagle sex position isn't for you.
- One partner standing up: If the partner on top has trouble bearing weight on their arms or elbows, they can stand up instead. In this variation, the partner being penetrated lies flat on their back with their butt at the edge of the bed. The penetrating partner stands facing them and penetrates them this way, with the bottom partner's legs up and spread wide.
- Leg variations: If you aren't flexible or can't hold your legs straight for very long, Zar says to try and place your legs in a "happy baby" yoga pose - when your legs are wide open and bent, and you hold onto your feet. You can also try any other position that feels comfortable for you, such as in a more narrow V shape.
Insider's takeaway
The eagle position is a great option for missionary-lovers who want a little extra spice in their sex life. Have fun with it, and don't get hung up on making it look perfect. Instead, focus on you and your partner's pleasure and experiment with what feels best for both of you.