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For those who are already enjoying the benefits and sensations of anal play and are ready to take things up a notch, we've got a list of pegging positions perfect to get you off to a nice, steady, partnered-play start.
Pegging has traditionally been considered a power-play move for couples who enjoy shifting the dynamic, with women taking the lead and becoming the dominant, penetrating partner.
"... strap-on sex offers a different experience, one that produces a unique erotic connection, and possibly deeper intimacy." -- Sex journalist and health writer, Michael Castleman M.A., Psychology Today
In today's society, where everyone is free to explore their sexuality, whatever their gender, and with so much sexual pleasure available from our butts—and let's face it, it's the one thing we've all got in common—these positions work for any couple.
So if you've got a strap-on and a butt between the pair of you, you're more than ready to take our favorite beginner pegging positions for a test drive.
1. Doggy Style
Doggy Style presents everything the giving partner needs up front and center.
Despite looking like the perfect pegging position for practical reasons, it's also known as The Classic or The First Timer for any newbies receiving anal sex for the first time. Why? Apart from its easy access, someone new to anal penetration might feel more comfortable without their partner analyzing every blink, grin, grimace, or other facial cue that face-to-face eye contact delivers.
Taking the Doggy Style position to the next level
Flat Doggy (face down on the bed) can offer a different angle of entry—ideal for exploring prostate contact—and a chance for the receiver to give their arms a rest.
Dropping flat onto your stomach with your legs suitably spread, you'll be in the most relaxed position possible
As with any anal sex play, relaxation is a must. If you're the slightest bit unsure or nervous, your butt hole is going to clench, making the whole thing impossible.
This flat-out, incredibly relaxed version of the Doggy position (also known as Prone Bone) allows the giving partner to experiment with angles of penetration, speed, and depth, reacting to their partner's comments or pleasurable groans.
2. Spooning
Spooning is another position that offers a very lazy and relaxed experience. The giving partner will do most of the work, and in this position, there's usually a little less hard and fast thrusting and more grinding and rotating of the hips. Despite partners not facing each other, the abundance of skin-to-skin contact and slow grinding sex can make this a very intimate position.
Taking the Spooning position to the next level
Spooning is the best position for those lazy sex sessions that build into something a little wilder.
It's also perfect for the giver to reach around and caress their receiver.
With male partners traditionally taking the role of the 'big spoon' during vaginal sex, for pegging, where couples swap positions, the male becomes the 'little spoon,' receiving all the attention.
It's an ideal opportunity to double his pleasure with a reach around handjob or to add a few more toys to your fun, sliding a masturbator or a vibrating cock ring over his penis.
3. Receiver on top of a table
Having their receiving partner lie on a table can provide the perfect height and angle for penetration. This standing position can feel empowering and powerful for women pegging their male partners. If they're a touch too short, it's the ideal opportunity to add those missing few inches by wearing their favorite stilettos, adding a little sexy to the play for both partners.
Taking 'receiver on a table' to the next level
Let's run with that idea of the female partner wearing her favorite heels while standing to peg her partner. What could be even more empowering than becoming the dominant partner and taking full control of the sex play than throwing some dirty talk into the mix? While many women (and men) often find dirty talk hard to get into, those who do and get past that initial embarrassment find it adds a real element of kink that really spices up their sex life.
4. Missionary
For anyone who ever said the Missionary Position was vanilla, they never used it for anal sex or role-reversal sex play. It's also one of the best pegging positions for intimacy, adding eye contact and an abundance of loving acts, such as kissing, neck nibbling, and ear biting into the mix.
Taking the Missionary position to the next level
There are a host of sex positions you can easily slide into from Missionary to maximize your pleasure.
If the receiving partner raises their feet and knees, they'll move straight into the next position on our list
Alternatively, why not change the angle of penetration to hit his prostate by stacking a few pillows under his back and butt, aiming the strap-on directly toward that magic pleasure gland. For easier and better position changes and options, get a sex pillow set to explore all kinds of heights and angles. They'll also come in incredibly handy for any other positions where there's a significant height difference between you both.
When aiming for the prostate, why not invest in a strap-on dildo that's curved at the optimum angle to stimulate it? Add one with a remote vibrating function, and you'll add even more pleasure to those mighty prostate orgasms.
5. Receiver on their back, legs up
This is another common anal penetration position because of its open and direct access to the anus. It often takes its name from the Yoga position Happy Baby, so as well as being a great sex position, holding your partner's hips up and out during this play position will also give their hip flexors a workout!
Taking the 'receiver on their back' to the next level
For those of you who love to watch yourselves sliding in and out of your partner during sex, this pegging sex position allows your partner the same sexually thrilling experience. You'll see just how much they're turned on as the strap-on slowly slides in and out from the look on their face. Also, don't be surprised if you get a slap or two on those perfectly presented butt cheeks too.
6. Receiver on top
Considering traditional sex positions, when the receiving partner straddles their partner's hips, we call it the Cowgirl position. Face away from your partner, and it's Reverse Cowgirl. Given that a lot of pegging positions involve role reversal and the male partner being the penetrated party, these receiver-on-top positions are sometimes known as the Cowboy and Reverse Cowboy positions.
As a beginner pegging position, the Reverse Cowboy position lends itself nicely to avoiding face contact while allowing them to control the depth and angle of the strap-on and the speed of the action.
Taking the 'receiver on top' to the next level
We're going to bring sex toys back into the conversation—but this time, for the giving partner. Why should the receiver have all the fun, riding and grinding that silicone dildo?
Women have just as many sensitive nerves in their butts as men and a vagina that's likely crying out for some action by this point too.
Having them slide their favorite vibrator, dildo, or butt plug in before they start pegging should help to level the playing field.
7. On a chair, receiver on top
Grab yourself a high-back, armless chair, and you're ready for your first pegging lap dance session. This is a great beginner pegging position, as it allows the receiving partner to control the pace, depth, and how slowly they ease themselves onto the strap-on dildo.
Taking seated pegging to the next level
Facing away from your partner, it's another beginner position where eye contact can be avoided. Once you start to find your groove, facing your partner adds intimacy as you become perfectly placed for more skin contact and passionate kissing.
Tips to Improve Your Pegging Game
"... Furthermore, optimal pegging experiences tend to be associated with newness and novelty, a deep connection with partners, higher levels of psychosexual arousal and fulfillment, and increased pleasurable sensation."
1. Experiment with different positions
Everyone is made different, so there's no one-size-fits-all position for anal penetration. What works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else. While exploring anal play with a strap-on dildo, get busy with all the positions you can think of until you know which ones work best for you and your partner. Almost any conventional sex position can be a pegging sex position, so you've got plenty of options to play with.
2. Understand the anatomy of the anus
Whether you're the one that's pegging or being pegged, if you know where the most sensitive areas and erogenous zones are—especially where the prostate is—you'll have far more idea of how to pleasure your partner or maximize your own enjoyment.
Prostate stimulation plays a great part in many men's pegging experience, so knowing where it is and the best positions and angles to excite it can make all the difference.
Diagram of the External and Internal Anal Sphincter Muscles
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.
3. Use lube
The anus doesn't self-lubricate like a vagina, so it's essential to use plenty of lube to keep things nice and slippery. We suggest using specialist anal lubes, as they're thicker and last longer—ideal for all your favorite pegging positions.
Want more lube options?
Check out our recommended guides to help you choose the best lube for your sexual needs:
4. Start slow
We mentioned it earlier, but relaxation is key to anal penetration. As with any anal play, start slowly and build on what you like. Many men become incredibly aroused at the idea of fast and deep thrusting, but we urge you to learn to walk before you run.
Trust is also essential, bringing us to our next point.
A slow and steady introduction to pegging allows your anus the opportunity to relax fully, and the more relaxed you are, the better it all feels. Then, the more you play and practice, the quicker your anal muscles will relax during play sessions and the harder and faster your partner can go.
Trust is also essential, bringing us to our next point.
5. Communication is key
We don't have to tell you that consent is an absolute must for any pegging session, but communication and trust are also crucial for the best outcomes.
"Pegging was associated with significant relationship benefits for participants, including thorough communication, trust, shared intimacy, and mutual pleasure."
Always take the receiving partner's lead, listen for their cues, and, as with any delicate sex play, set up a safe word or use the traffic light system during your sessions. For your first few sessions, we suggest the receiving partner verbally guides the penetrating partner through the initial penetration and the duration of the sex.
6. Good hygiene is essential
One thing that people find offputting about anal play is the chance of encountering a little fecal matter from penetration. To minimize the likelihood and to limit any bacterial transmission, it's essential to clear the bowel a few hours in advance, wash the anus thoroughly, and some choose to douche for the utmost confidence.
Given there's no skin contact with penetration from pegging, there's a far lower chance of STI transmission.
However, many still use condoms on their dildos to reduce the risk even further. Also, cleaning your strap-ons and harnesses thoroughly before and after use should be a standard part of your pegging play.
Our pegging product recommendations
Women's Health Interactive research showed that "Sales of pegging gear and equipment have risen overall about 44% each year since 2018" and that 16% of sexually active adults have tried it.
Fortunately, if you're looking for your first pegging accessories, you're in the right place to build your toy collections. We've compiled a great starter selection of products for anyone new to the practice.
Our Pegging Kit
Experience exhilarating new sensations with our thoughtfully assembled selection of pegging essentials.
| PRODUCT AND HOW IT IMPROVES PEGGING EXPERIENCE | PRODUCT MODEL |
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Desensitizing and Anus Numbing Cream - Numbs the anus, promoting a more comfortable pegging experience.- Reduces sensitivity, -extending pleasure for both partners. - Contributes to overall relaxation during the encounter. |
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Strap-On Harness with Adjustable Straps - Adjustable straps ensure a secure and comfortable fit.- Enhances stability, preventing slippage for a focused experience. - Accommodates various body types for broad usability. |
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Silicone Dildo with Flared Base - Flared base ensures secure and controlled penetration.- Made from body-safe silicone for a comfortable, realistic feel. - Mimics the feel of natural skin for added realism. |
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Water-Based Anal Lubricant - Ensures a frictionless and pleasurable pegging experience.- Safe for various materials, preserving strap-on and dildo integrity. - Washes off easily, facilitating hassle-free post-play cleanup. |
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Anal Douche and Enema - Promotes cleanliness for a worry-free pegging experience.- Enhances overall relaxation by addressing cleanliness concerns. - Boosts confidence, allowing individuals to fully engage without worry. |
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Summary
Pegging can be a huge turn-on and intensely intimate, providing some truly kinky sex and an exciting experience for you and your partner. It's not unusual for anyone to enjoy being anally penetrated these days. So, armed with a strap-on, plenty of lube, and our list of best pegging positions for beginners, there's no reason why anyone should miss out on this next-level sex-session fun.