Many people think of the same standard routine when they consider anal sex positions - but some sex educators have developed many variations over time to achieve specific results, including when the penis or toy goes further inside the body, when the speed is slower, when one person has more power over the movement or when the physical contact feels different.
By studying history, it is clear that anal intimacy had been mentioned in many sources ranging from old erotic books to current guides for couples. In the Kama Sutra, which is from India, the authors wrote about how people position their bodies, the speed of movement and how each other feel good.
On many occasions now, discussions about intimacy is more focused on how the body feels,
the speed of movement, physical comfort, the belief that a partner is reliable, and the specific way how people act during the process.
There are five anal positions are rarely known by people. And couples may explore these positions when they want to change the speed, the physical direction or else.
1. The Jockey
The Jockey position is often described as a more controlled variation of traditional doggy style.
How It Works
The receiving partner lies flat on their stomach with their legs close together while slightly lifting the hips. The penetrating partner squats behind them, positioning themselves downward at an angle.
Because the legs stay together, the position naturally creates a tighter feeling and a more controlled depth of penetration.
Why People Like It
- Slower movement feels easier to manage
- The lower body stays supported
- The angle can create deeper pressure without fast thrusting
- Many couples find it more intimate than upright doggy style
This position is also popular among couples who prefer less visual intensity and more body contact.
2. Corkscrew
The Corkscrew is recommended for beginners because it allows the receiving partner to control movement more naturally.
How It Works
The receiving partner lies sideways near the edge of a bed while the penetrating partner stands beside the bed. Because the receiver can rotate or shift their hips, they often have more control over angle and depth.
Why It Works Well for Beginners
Unlike positions requiring flexibility or full-body pressure, Corkscrew allows the following:
- shallow penetration
- slower pacing
- easier communication
- less muscle tension
A small pillow under the hips or lower back can also change the angle significantly.
Historical Parallel
Many side-entry intimacy positions appear in older relationship manuals because they reduce strain and allow slower movement—sex therapists still recommend today.
3. Fire Hydrant
The Fire Hydrant position is essentially a modified doggy-style variation with one lifted leg.
How It Works
The receiving partner starts on hands and knees. The penetrating partner kneels behind them and raises one knee beneath the receiver’s thigh, lifting one leg naturally upward.
The shifted hip angle changes penetration depth and body positioning dramatically.
Why Couples Explore It
- Different hip angles create different sensations
- Increased thigh contact can feel more physically connected
- The lifted leg allows deeper entry
This position also tends to create stronger side-to-side body pressure compared to standard rear-entry positions.
4. Marvelous Chair
The Marvelous Chair position combines seated intimacy with reverse positioning.
How It Works
One partner reclines deeply into a sturdy chair while the receiving partner lowers themselves, facing away in a reverse seated position.
Because the seated partner remains relatively stable, the receiving partner often controls:
- rhythm
- depth
- pacing
- body movement
Why It Feels Different
Many couples describe this position as psychologically intimate because:
- full-body pressure increases contact
- slower movement
- eye contact can still happen through mirrors or turning sideways
- the seated angle changes penetration direction
It also reduces some of the physical exertion found in kneeling positions.
5. Pile Driver
The Pile Driver is considered a more advanced position because it requires some flexibility and body awareness.
How It Works
The receiving partner lies on their back and raises their legs upward toward their head while the penetrating partner kneels or lowers themselves above.
The elevated hips create an intense angle that allows for deeper penetration.

Why Some Couples Like It
- the angle feels totally different
- better penetration depth
- genital stimulation can happen simultaneously
However, this position is not ideal for everyone.
Important Safety Considerations
Anal intimacy often feels better when couples prioritize comfort over performance.
1. Communication Matters More Than Position
One of the biggest misconceptions about anal sex is thinking it depends on technique alone.
In fact, pacing and communication usually are more important than the position itself.
Checking in about:
- depth
- pressure
- comfort
- speed
can prevent discomfort quickly.
2. Lubrication Is Essential
Unlike other parts of the body, the anus does not self-lubricate naturally.
Most sexual health educators strongly recommend generous lubricant use, especially during:
- beginner exploration
- deeper penetration
- longer sessions
- position changes
Reapplying lubricant during position transitions is very common.
3. Start Slowly
Many experienced couples still begin with:
- fingers
- smaller toys
- shallow penetration
before moving into more advanced positions.
Modern wellness-focused brands like The Joybloom now release beginner-friendly silicone products specifically for slower exploration and more gradual comfort rather than oversized or intimidating designs.
Compact training toys and soft silicone plugs are often used to help the body relax progressively before attempting deeper positions.
4. Avoid Forcing Flexibility
Positions like the Pile Driver may look visually impressive, but they can place pressure on:
- the lower back
- hips
- shoulders
- neck
Pillows, cushions, and slight angle adjustments often improve comfort level dramatically.
There is no universal “the best” position—only positions that feel comfortable for each other.
Final Thoughts
The most satisfying intimacy experiences are rarely about complexity alone. Often, they come from:
- trust
- pacing
- curiosity
- communication
- and exploring without pressure
While some positions focus on depth or intensity, others are also very popular as they create better comfort, slower rhythm, or stronger physical connection.
And in most cases, couples find that slight angle changes matter far more than trying to recreate something perfectly from a diagram.




