Not all sex positions are created equal, and the captain sex position is pretty solid proof. If you’ve ever gotten annoyed trying to wedge a hand—or a sex toy—between two bodies during penetrative sex (same), this one might feel like a revelation. Unlike positions where everything feels cramped and slightly inconvenient, the captain creates actual space for extra stimulation. And not just a tiny bit of room. We’re talking legit access. Which is good, because for plenty of people, clitoral stimulation is the difference between that was nice and holy shit. The captain is a classic Kama Sutra position where the receiving partner lies on their back with their legs lifted in a V shape while the giving partner kneels between them and holds their ankles during penetration. The setup can allow for deep penetration while also making it easier to incorporate clitoral or other external stimulation. That angle is part of what makes the captain sex position so appealing. It can allow for deeper sensations and targeted stimulation of the G-area or deeper A-spot, says certified somatic intimacy coach Orla Maguire, founder of Lubify. And while the captain can absolutely accommodate faster, more intense movement, it also works surprisingly well for slower, more connected sex. “With open eye contact and upright posture, it can create a heightened sense of attunement and intimacy,” explains Maguire. If the classic version doesn’t feel great for your body, don’t force it. Small adjustments can make a huge difference, and there’s no prize for doing a sex position exactly by the book. Think of these as inspiration, not rules. Below, five ways to try the captain sex position—and find the version that feels best for you. The Captain How to Do It: “In the captain position, the receiving partner lies on their back, legs raised and open,” says Maguire. (Think: legs in a V-shape.) “The penetrating partner kneels between their thighs, holding their ankles for stability and control. Invite gentle movement—hips rocking, micro-adjustments, vocal expression—so both partners stay tuned to sensation rather than performance.” Pros: Deep penetration, lots of eye contact, and the receiver has both hands free for clitoral stimulation. Cons: Tired arms for the penetrating partner. “Holding the ankles for extended periods may strain the giver’s wrists or shoulders,” says Maguire. You can stop for a moment to shake it out, or switch to another position. Switch It Up: The receiver can scissor their legs—closed then open—to adjust how tight the position feels. Make It Hotter: All that clit access? Yeah, don’t waste it. Use a hand or fire up a really good sex toy. The Softened Captain How to Do It: Assume the regular captain position with the receiver lying on their back, legs spread, and the giver kneeling between their legs to enter. “Then the giver leans forward slightly, draping their chest over the partner’s legs,” says Maguire. Pros: More skin-to-skin contact that creates a cocooned, nurturing feel, says Maguire. Cons: According to Maguire, the deep angle can be overwhelming if the receiver isn’t fully relaxed or aroused. So, use lube. Lots of it. A high-quality one you know and love. Switch It Up: The giver can hold both the receiver’s legs together on one side to switch up the stimulation and add a tighter feel. Make It Hotter: “Place a pillow under the receiver’s sacrum to tilt the hips upward, easing pressure and enhancing pleasure,” she says. The Shoulder Fold How to Do It: The receiver lies on their back with their legs bent. The giver kneels between their partner’s legs to penetrate. “But instead of holding the ankles, the receiving partner’s legs are placed over the giver’s shoulders,” says Maguire. Pros: “This angle deepens penetration and frees the hands for touch, connection, or stimulation,” she says. Cons: If flexibility is an issue, the receiver might not be able to get their legs over their partner’s shoulders. They can try putting their feet on their partner’s chest or wherever else seems comfortable, and/or use a pillow or sex wedge for optimal angling. Switch It Up: Since the giver’s hands are free in this version, they can use lubed-up fingers to rub the receiver’s clit. A lubed-up palm pressed gently on the entire vulva is a good warm-up move. Make It Hotter: The giver can kiss and suck on the receiver’s toes. The Breathy Captain How to Do It: This one is just like the regular captain position, but a slow-mo version. “Slow everything down and let the movement be guided by the breath. Breathe together. One deep inhale, one deep thrust—creating a rhythm rooted in nervous system regulation, not performance,” says Maguire. Pros: Maximum bonding. “Syncing breath deepens connection and can help the receiving partner relax into the experience,” she says. Cons: A slow-mo version inherently won’t work for a quickie. Save this for when you have plenty of time to get lost in each other. Switch It Up: This lends itself to lots of bonding eye contact, but you can also try closing your eyes to heighten the sounds, scents, and sensations of each other. Make It Hotter: Absolutely use a sex toy, but a quiet one so there’s not a loud buzz accompanying your breaths.
