When exploring new sex positions, many people tend to go straight into the wild and acrobatic ones. While that can be exciting, sudden changes can throw couples off their rhythm. That’s why, if you’re looking to switch things up without straying too far from the familiar, it’s worth trying out variations of the classics like the reverse missionary.
This position is technically a twist on the traditional missionary, but it brings a whole new experience to the table. In this move, the giver’s (person penetrating) penis or strap-on thrusts at a different angle. While some find it tricky or unfulfilling, others say it brings more fun in their bedroom plays.
If you haven’t tried it yet and want to see whether it’s your new favorite or a one-time experiment, this quick guide will show you everything you need to know.
What is the Reverse Missionary & How to Do It
Reverse missionary literally is the flipped version of the classic missionary sex position. In this setup, the giver or penetrating partner straddles the receiver (person being penetrated) while facing away from them, similar to the reverse cowgirl.
To try this position, the receiver lies on their back with their legs slightly apart. The giver then straddles them, facing the same direction as the receiver. From there, the giver or receiver can guide the penis or strap-on downward into the vagina for penetration.
Advantages
This position might seem tricky, and yes, it can be! But it definitely comes with its perks, like the following:
1It offers a unique twist to your usual sexcapades.
One of the best things about the reverse missionary position is that it gives a fresh experience compared to more common sex positions. In reverse cowgirl, lap dance, or wheelbarrow positions, the receiver typically straddles while facing away. But in this one, the roles are flipped.
The unique angle of penetration also brings new sensations for both partners. It’s a great option for couples who’ve explored many positions and are now looking for something different but still doable.
2It’ll engage your muscles as much as your erotic senses.
This benefit is for the givers; if you enjoy staying active and love combining a bit of a workout with some sultry fun, this position might be right up your alley. It engages your core and chest, helping with balance and control, while your arms and hands do most of the work keeping you steady. It’s a playful way to get physical!
3You’ll get to focus on the sensations.
Another benefit of this position is that it allows you to fully tune into the physical sensations. Since there’s no direct eye contact or face-to-face interaction, your focus naturally shifts to every movement and every thrust. This heightened awareness can make the entire experience deeply pleasurable.
Disadvantages
Along with the pros, there are definitely a few cons to consider. Here are the reasons why this position isn’t for everyone:
1It’s not as intimate as other sex positions.
If you and your partner enjoy bringing romance into your bedroom plays, this one might fall short. While the reverse missionary can be wild and passionate, it lacks that close connection. You won’t be able to kiss, cuddle, lock eyes, or whisper sweet (or dirty) nothings to each other. It’s more about the raw physical thrill than emotional closeness.
If you’re leaning more toward sweet and sensual, check out our recommended positions in the article below.
2It may be awkward and uncomfortable.
Though it can definitely be pleasurable for some, there are times when this position might feel a little awkward, especially for the giver. The thrusting angle isn’t always aligned with the natural direction of the penis, which can make things feel a bit off. In some cases, it might even lead to discomfort or strain, as the giver may need to stretch or angle their penis in a way that doesn’t feel natural.
3You won’t be able to stimulate other pleasure zones.
Another downside of this position for the giver is that they won’t have easy access to stimulate other parts of the receiver’s body since their upper body is positioned away. This can limit the intimacy or extra stimulation some couples enjoy.
On the flip side, the receiver gets a bit of freedom since their hands aren’t mainly utilized in reverse missionary. They can play around with the giver’s butt or hips as long as the giver is into that kind of play.
Variations
If you ended up enjoying this sex position and want to explore similar moves, here are a few variations worth adding to your bedroom to-do list:
1Raised Reverse Missionary
This position is practically the same as the original reverse missionary, but the difference is that the receiver will put up a pillow or sex wedge under the hips. This simple trick can help the giver and offer the receiver more pleasurable sensations.
2Tucked Reverse Missionary
In this variation, the receiver tucks their legs in and tilts their pelvis upward, creating a lifted angle. Meanwhile, the giver straddles on top, facing away from the receiver. This slight change in positioning helps the giver thrust with more ease and control while allowing for deeper penetration for the receiver.
396 Position
This one’s an interesting variation because, while it’s technically a different position from reverse missionary, the 96 position still offers that unique angle for vaginal penetration.
To try it, the giver and receiver lie on their sides, facing the same direction but with their heads at opposite ends. The receiver lifts their legs and drapes them over the giver’s shoulder while the giver positions their body diagonally across the receiver’s. Once you’re both comfortable, you can ease into the deed.
4Seated Wheelbarrow
Another position worth checking out is the seated wheelbarrow. In the regular version, the receiver takes the wheelbarrow stance by flipping over and planting their hands on the floor. But in this variation, it’s the giver who takes that role.
To do this, the receiver sits comfortably on a couch or bed with their legs spread. The giver then positions themselves on the receiver’s lap, facing away, and slowly leans forward to place their hands on the floor for support. They’ll then bend their knees and place their legs on either side of the receiver. Once stable, the receiver can guide the penis or strap-on into their vagina and proceed with the deed.
Tips
Whether you’re trying reverse missionary for the first time or have already given it a shot and want to make it better, here are some tips to check out:
1Gently guide your partner’s penis.
One of the common mistakes people make with this position is pulling the giver’s penis too forcefully to get it aligned with the vagina. If you’re the receiver, just gently guide your partner’s penis into place; avoid tugging or pulling it outward.
Since the giver is already thrusting at an unusual angle, any additional force in the wrong direction can lead to discomfort or even pain.
2Try anal fingering or prostate play.
If you’re the giver and into anal play, reverse missionary can actually be a great opportunity to explore that. Since the receiver has full access to your backside in this position, they can stimulate your anus using a finger; you can ask your partner to check out our recommended article about prostate play. The receiver can also use anal toys like butt plugs, anal beads, or prostate massagers to level up the experience.
Now if you’re a receiver who wants to do this, make sure to talk it out beforehand and never surprise your partner with anal fingering. This area is highly sensitive; not everyone is into that type of play. Consent should always come first.
3Spice it up with some love toys!
If you want to add more fun to reverse missionary, try love toys like mini vibrators, tip stimulators, cock rings, butt plugs, anal beads, and more. These toys can bring more pleasure to the deed, especially for the receiver since they have more freedom and hand access in this position.
Check out the recommended article below to discover some of the best sex toys available right now and find the perfect playmates.
4Use sex pillows or wedges for better comfort and support.
Did you know there are pillows made specifically for sex? They’re called sex pillows, and they come in different shapes like ramps, wedges, and mounts, each designed with a specific function in mind.
Since one of the main challenges with reverse missionary is proper angling of the penetration, using a pillow can really help. Placing a sex wedge under the receiver’s hips can make penetration a lot easier and more comfortable compared to using a regular pillow or nothing at all.
5If it feels too uncomfortable, it’s perfectly okay to skip it.
Some people find reverse missionary incredibly uncomfortable. So, if you try this position and the angle or overall feel doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to not do it. There’s nothing wrong with you for not liking this move.
Don’t fret, as there are a lot of sex positions to explore! You can even click right here to browse more of our sex position guides. This one might not be a match, but we’re sure you’ll find a move or two that’ll hit the spot.
Takeaway
Reverse missionary is one of those underrated sex positions that definitely deserves a little more spotlight. It’s not as mainstream as others, but for couples who enjoy experimenting with different moves and aren’t afraid of a little challenge, this position can bring some novelty to your plays.
As we mentioned in the tips section, there’s no pressure to push through if the position causes discomfort or just doesn’t feel right. Always listen to your body and your partner’s cues. Safety and comfort should always come first!
