When it comes to trying new sex positions, it's easy to do them once in a while and then forget about them completely. You may break out a new move on Valentine's Day, or your anniversary, or Arbor Day, but the rest of the time, you just stick to the basics. And the basics are great, but the problem with only trying out new positions once in a while is that — sorry to burst your bubble — you're probably just not that good at them. And considering that such positions are generally a little harder than the ones you normally do, you might need the practice.
It has nothing to do with how good you are at sex. It's just that certain positions require balance, or figuring out how your two particular bodies line up with each other. If you're only trying them on occasion, it's not going to work quite right, and then you're going to, understandably, just think they're overrated and not try them again. But you could be missing out on some really great sex simply because you're not trying them often enough to get them right.
So here are seven sex positions you're probably not trying enough, because practice really does make perfect.
1. Butterfly
How To Do It: Laying on the edge of the bed, you slowly move your legs up their chest — resting your ankles on their shoulder if you can. Arch your back while they help lift your pelvis off the bed, and then you can lay back and enjoy the sensation and the view.
Why To Try It More: It can take a couple of times to get the balance right, so you might be discouraged your first time. But it's a way to mix things up and a great builder to more difficult positions. Oh, and did I mention the view?
2. Three-Legged Dog
How To Do It: Spread your legs (standing on something if you need to balance out your heights), then hook one leg over your partner's hip to make room as they enter you. You may need lube, so don't be shy! And if you're not great at balancing, stay close to a wall the first few times.
Why To Try It More: Again, it may take a few times to get the hang of it, so you may want to try it regularly. But once you master it, you can pretty much have sex anywhere and feel like rock stars.
3. From Behind
How To Do It: Think doggy style for lesbians, but it works for straight couples as well. Focus on fingering, clit play, toys — you both have hands you can use, so it's a great position to try anything.
Why To Try It More: We normally think of penises and vaginas when we're thinking doggy style, but any couple has amazing access to try stimulation from different angles with all sorts of different things. Use it to experiment.
4. Face To Face
How To Do It: Make sure your pelvis is higher than your partner's, then snuggle in real close and lift one leg up and over them. Don't worry if it takes a while to find the right place. Get out the lube and then enjoy the slow, deep penetration.
Why To Try It More: The deep penetration is great, but you also have face-to-face intimacy that you're normally used to in missionary. So keep this in the rotation as a way to slow down, reconnect, and focus on you and your partner.
5. Modified Doggy
How To Do It: You can lay face down bracing with your arms, or start in doggy and then lower yourself. It's a great position for them to whisper in your ear, and one (or both of you) can play with your clit.
Why To Try It More: Because it's sexy AF. But we often think of it as an in-between position rather than one on its own. Don't make that mistake — remember to try it. It's intimate but animalistic, and hits all the right places. You won't regret it.
6. Reverse Cowgirl
How To Do It: Like regular cowgirl, but you face their feet. Lower down slowly and listen to their response — it's a tricky position, so you want to make sure you're both feeling comfortable before you start bumping and grinding too much.
Why To Try It More: Because you're facing the other way, it doesn't come in the normal flow of positions, so it's easy to forget. Don't. It's the best position with which to channel your inner porn star.
7. Lotus
How To Do It: Make sure they're comfortable cross-legged, then slowly climb on top and lower down onto them, gently wrapping your arms and legs around them. It's a great position for clit stimulation, or you can just relax and enjoy the grinding.
Why To Try It More: Another one you don't flow into naturally, so you'll have to stop and decide to do it. It's so intimate, so close, and great for dirty talk or a romantic moment. It's basically hugging as a sex position. Give it a try.
Images: Caroline Wurtzel/Bustle (7)
