23 Best Sex Positions for Beginners to Enjoy First Time Sex Like a Pro!

best sex positions for beginners

Starting your sexual journey? These sex positions for beginners help you feel confident, connected, and actually enjoy your first few times.

If you’re about to have sex for the first time, or you’re still new to the bedroom, there’s one thing you need more than anything else: a cheat sheet of the best sex positions for beginners.

You don’t need to pull off anything wild or acrobatic. You just want positions that make you feel comfortable, connected, and confident, while actually enjoying it.

Here’s a list of easy, beginner-friendly sex positions that are perfect for first-timers. Whether you’re nervous, curious, or just want something that won’t feel awkward, these are designed to give you control, closeness, and pleasure, without overthinking it.

[Read: The dirty truth about losing your virginity no one told you]

The best sex positions for beginners that you need to know about

If you’re about to lose your virginity and you’re nervous, I get it. Trust me, your first time isn’t going to be a mind-blowing experience, you may fall asleep from boredom.

But, don’t fold your cards and quit just yet. It gets better, trust me.

That might sound negative, because some people do have wonderful first experiences. But for the most part, it’s, well, a bit awkward. We all have to start somewhere! You can make that experience much more enjoyable by doing your research into positions first.

What really helps is an idea of some of the sex positions for beginners that just work better than the others. Don’t try to recreate the Kama Sutra, just keep it simple. In this case, the simpler, the better. [Read: First time sex and the virgin’s guide to nailing it]

If you’re new to sex or are trying to find the best positions that are safe, easy and make you look great in bed, here are the best positions for beginners that can make you feel sexy, experience real orgasms, and feel great doing it!

1. Missionary

Basics: Woman lies on her back with legs parted, partner lies on top and enters face-to-face.

Who doesn’t love missionary? Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or seasoned in sex, the missionary is a favorite for everyone.

It’s intimate, it’s easy, thus, making it perfect for beginners. The part that many people love about the missionary position is that you can look at each other face-to-face. This actually works to alleviate performance anxiety because in a way, you bond through eye contact.

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For this position, the girl lays on her back with her legs bent at the knees, fanned open, while her partner is on top, entering her. She leaves her legs as is, raises them up a little, she can wrap them around the guy’s waist, or rest it completely on the bed. The guy then thrusts in and out at different speeds and pressure.

However, very few women orgasm via penetration, so don’t focus so much on that. You’re better off stimulating the clitoris if you want to hit the big O. [Read: How to spice up the most basic missionary sex position]

2. Doggy style

Basics: Woman kneels on hands and knees, partner enters from behind.

You may think that doggy style is an advanced sex position, but it’s not. In reality, it’s really easy to do for both men and women.

What does matter though is the intensity. The problem usually is the one performing gets a little too excited and applies too much pressure when thrusting. So, if you want to give doggy style a try and you’re the one performing, keep in mind the other person and don’t thrust too hard.

For doggy style, the woman gets down on her knees and hands. Literally how you would look like if you were crawling on the ground. Now, you either stay in the position or drop your chest and head to the bed, leaving only your ass in the air. Either way is fine.

Usually, women feel more pleasure with only their ass in the air. To find the right spot, raise or lower your ass accordingly. [Read: All the ways to make doggy style your favorite sex position]

3. Edge of the bed

Basics: Woman lies on her back at bed’s edge, legs hanging off, partner stands or kneels to penetrate.

There’s something really sexy about being pulled to the edge of the bed and fucked. Now, this can be a little tricky if you’re not the right height for the bed.

However, that can easily be solved with pillows under the woman’s hips or the guy can kneel. You’ll figure which one works best.

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To do this position, the woman lays on the edge of the bed, having her legs hanging off. Then, the guy grabs her legs, placing himself in between them, entering her. Then, it’s all in his hands. He thrusts away till the sun shines. For guys, you’ll be able to support yourself by holding her thighs or ankles. [Read: Sex in a new relationship: How to make the first time less awkward]

4. Girl on top

Basics: Man lies on back, woman straddles and controls movement from above.

Now, honestly, it took me a year to figure out how to do this. My friends would tell me, “It’s like riding a horse,” which is helpful information if I had ridden a horse before. So, my nerves got the best of me, and I avoided this position. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want to stop riding your man. So, how do you do this position? Lemme tell ya.

The guy lays on his back. The woman crawls on top of him, straddling him. Yes, like you ride a horse, whatever that means. Take his penis with your hand and slowly lower yourself onto it. Do it slowly.

I know you’re horny, but it could sting a bit. Then, you either move up and down or back and forth. I suggest mixing it up a bit with the techniques. I wouldn’t recommend starting in this position, as you need to be wet for this one. [Read: 18 must-know girl on top tips to make this position way sexier]

👉 Looking for a specific sex position or style that would make things easier for you? Try these guides:

5. The spoon

Basics: Both partners lie on their sides, with the partner behind entering from behind.

Everyone love spooning, but this time, it’s a little different. So, we all know the traditional spooning position when you lay on your side and your partner lays on their side behind you, right?

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Now, this time, you’re not going to be in your PJs, you’re going to be naked. It’s one of the best sex positions for beginners because it’s easy enough yet has serious potential for orgasm.

If you’re a woman, slightly lift your top leg so your partner has enough room to enter you. Your partner controls the pressure and thrusts by holding your breasts, waist, hair, or neck. For women, there is a higher chance for G-spot stimulation while in the spoon position. [Read: 15 ways to make spooning sex better than any other position]

6. Face to face

Basics: Both partners lie on their sides, facing each other, with legs intertwined for penetration.

If you want intimacy, this is one of the sex positions for beginners that works like a charm. It’s especially great if you’re nervous about sex, which at one point, we all are. No one told me about this position, and I wish they had  You’ll be able to relax and become comfortable with your partner while facing them.

So, to get into this position, you’ll want to both lay on your sides facing each other. If you’re a woman, move up  slightly higher than your partner, positioning your hips above his. Then, wrap your top leg around his which gives him the space to enter inside of you. [Read: Dry humping and the virgin’s guide to orgasms]

7. Face down

Basics: Woman lies flat on stomach, partner enters from behind while lying on top or kneeling.

Okay, I admit, this isn’t the most intimate one when you think about it right away, but when you try it, you’ll actually see how great it feels.

For women, you lay on the bed face down. The guy is going to come from behind and enter you. Now, the romantic part is when you have your head to the side and they lean in to kiss you or brush your hair out of your face. See, it’s the little things that count in life, and in sex.

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8. Reverse cowgirl

Basics: Woman straddles man facing away, riding at her own pace.

This one is slightly more advanced but it still fits in the realm of the best sex positions for beginners. It’s exactly the same as girl on top, except you’re facing the other way. Your partner is going to have a rather sublime view of your ass and you can pull whatever face you want, without them seeing you! [Read: How to do the reverse cowgirl: What it is & how to ride in sexy style]

You can also lean back, lean forward and move in circles if you want to, depending on what feels good for you.

9. Modified missionary

Basics: Missionary variation, add a pillow under hips or raise legs for deeper angle.

Remember we talked about the missionary earlier and how it’s one of the best sex positions for beginners? Well, you can modify it a little too.

Put a pillow under your ass for extra G-spot potential, or you could put your legs up on your partner’s shoulders for a deeper thrust. It looks like it should be an advanced position, but it’s not! That’s the beauty of it. [Read: Reverse missionary: How to drive your lover nuts with passion]

10. The dragon

Basics: Woman lies face down with pillow under hips, man lies gently on top and enters from behind.

This one is a little similar to the face down position but it’s a little more intimate because the man will press his body down on top of the woman *lightly, of course* and she will feel every inch of him.

The woman should lay face down on the bed with a pillow under her pelvis. The man should lay on top of her and enter her from behind. The thrust should be slow and steady, and of course, make sure that you don’t lean too much on your partner’s back.

These best sex positions for beginners are far easier than they sound and they will give you a much better chance at enjoying your first time. Talk to your partner and see what they want to try too. You can come to a good conclusion together, or you could just move from one position to the other and experiment away!

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[Read: 10 intimate sex positions to feel the romance in the bedroom]

👉 Want to explore the most naughty and fun sex positions? Try these!

More sex positions for beginners to explore

Still feeling nervous? Don’t worry, you’re not limited to just a few basic moves. Here are more beginner-friendly sex positions that are fun, comfy, and great for discovering what works for your body.

These focus on comfort, connection, and clitoral stimulation, because penetration is just one part of the story. If you’re still new to sex, these will help you build confidence, communicate better with your partner, and enjoy intimacy at your own pace.

11. Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)

Basics: Missionary variation with the man shifting slightly upward so the base of his penis rubs against the clitoris with each thrust.

Great for clitoral stimulation and more controlled thrusting. It’s perfect for beginners who want intimacy and pleasure without rushing. 📚 Source: Rathus, S.A., et al., Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity, 2024 edition

12. Lotus Position

Basics: Man sits cross-legged or with legs extended; woman sits in his lap, facing him, legs wrapped around.

Seated, face-to-face, and slow-paced. It’s all about emotional connection, deep eye contact, and gentle grinding. [Read: 20 Sizzling Sex Tips & Positions for Couples with a Height Difference]

13. Pillow Princess

Basics: Woman lies on her back with hips elevated by a pillow, receiving oral sex.

Non-penetrative, clit-focused, and zero performance pressure. Great for new partners exploring pleasure without penetration. 📚 Source: Levin, R.J., 2016, The physiology of female sexual function

14. Chair Straddle / Lap Dance

Basics: Partner sits on a sturdy chair, you straddle them facing forward.

It’s sexy, low-stress, and lets you control the pace. Also: super hot for eye contact and building confidence. [Read: 18 Secrets to Give a Sexy Lap Dance & Leave Your Man Wet In His Shorts]

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15. Kneeling Missionary

Basics: Woman lies flat, man kneels between her legs rather than lying on top.

This gives him more control, and her more space to guide angle or movement, all while keeping things intimate.

16. Tandem Sit

Basics: Both partners sit up, woman straddles man’s lap with arms around his shoulders.

Works well on a couch or bed. Closeness, kissing, and gentle movement make this a great beginner position.

17. Lazy Doggy (With Pillow Support)

Basics: Woman on all fours, chest down on pillow or bed, hips slightly raised.

It’s gentler than full doggy style and lets you adjust pressure more easily. Less strain, more relaxation.

18. Modified Cowgirl (Hands on Chest)

Basics: Woman on top, leaning forward with hands on partner’s chest for balance.

Less bouncing, more grinding, gives her better control and clitoral stimulation. 📚 Source: Charlene F. Belu, 2025, Role of the Partner in Shaping Orgasm Experiences

19. Standing Face-to-Face (With Wall Support)

Basics: Both stand upright, one partner leans against wall or sturdy surface for support.

Great for quickies or when you’re already half-undressed. Adds novelty and spontaneity.

20. Hand-holding Side-by-Side

Basics: Like spooning, but partners face each other and hold hands while thrusting slowly.

Intimate, loving, and perfect if you want connection without intense movement.

21. Scissoring (for girl-girl couples)

Basics: Both partners lie facing each other and interlock legs in a “V” or scissor shape. [Read: Lesbian Tribbing: How to Scissor a Girl & 18 Secrets to a Perfect Glide]

Underrated, inclusive, and emotionally intense, especially for women discovering their bodies together. 📚 Source: J V Bailey, et al., 2003, Sexual behaviour of lesbians and bisexual women

22. “Frog” Position

Basics: Woman lies on stomach, knees bent outward, hips raised.

Gives deeper angle without too much movement. Great for partners with height differences.

23. Over-the-edge spoon

Basics: Woman lies on bed edge, facing sideways. Partner stands or kneels behind.

Comfortable, sexy, and easy to transition into from spooning. Great if you want slow and controlled intimacy.

Why is finding the best position important?

Sex can vary wildly in quality depending upon the position you choose.

Some positions might cause you discomfort or even hurt, yet other positions might be a world of pleasure for you. It’s about experimenting, but having a few of the best sex positions for beginners up your sleeve will help you to find what suits you much faster.

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The right sex position for you will make you feel good, will help you to connect with your partner, it will be comfortable, and it won’t make you self-conscious.

Even when you find a position that you enjoy, it’s a good idea to keep mixing things up and trying new things too. If you stick with the same routine all the time, sex is going to become pretty boring. [Read: 14 sex moves that feel good: So easy and yet so mind-blowing]

When you first start having sex, it’s easy to stick to the same things because they feel easy and safe to you.

However, good sex is about experimentation and trying new things occasionally. Don’t be afraid to test new positions out with your partner and to talk about how they feel. Communication is key if you want to enjoy sex from the get-go!

Sex doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it look. At the end of the day, it’s really quite simple. You just need to know the best sex positions for beginners, and you’re good to go.