Cowboy: rear entry squatting over her, on the floor
The Cowboy is a demanding rear-entry position on the floor. She lies face down, propped up on her forearms, with her knees on the floor, her lower legs raised and her hips slightly lifted. He squats directly over her buttocks, facing the same direction as her, feet flat on the floor on either side of her hips and one hand on the floor for balance. He sets the pace from above. It takes strong legs and good balance on his part, and there is no eye contact.
Also known as: Vaquero
Anatomy and biomechanics
She lies face down on the floor or a firm mattress, chest low and torso lifted on her forearms. Her knees rest on the floor, her lower legs point upwards and her hips are slightly raised, which arches her lower back. He squats over her buttocks facing her head, knees deeply bent, feet planted on either side of her hips, and rests one hand on the floor beside her hip. He moves up and down from his legs, entering from above at a downward angle; penetration is of medium depth. Body contact is minimal and there is no eye contact or kissing. The load falls on his knees and thighs, which hold the squat, and on her lower back. Lowering from above puts the penis at risk of bending if it slips out, so the movement must stay controlled.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it as an energetic change: he controls the rhythm from above while she can relax her legs and focus on the sensations. Entry from above at a downward angle feels different from classic doggy style, and some women find it reaches sensitive areas of the vaginal wall, though this varies from person to person. It is a short, intense position rather than a long, tender one: there is no eye contact and little body contact.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: cushion under her hips, easier on her lower back
Same position, with a firm cushion under her hips so she does not have to arch as much.
A firm cushion under her hips keeps them raised without her having to arch her lower back so much. It also lifts her pelvis a little towards him, so he does not need to squat quite as low, which eases the load on his knees.
- She lies face down and places a firm cushion under her hips.
- She props herself up on her forearms, with her knees on the floor and her lower legs raised.
- He squats over her buttocks facing her head, feet either side of her hips and one hand on the floor.
- He moves with short, controlled strokes.
Variation 2: kneeling over her instead of squatting
He rests his knees on the floor either side of her hips instead of holding a squat.
Instead of squatting on his feet, he kneels astride her, knees on the floor either side of her hips, and leans forward on one or both hands. The effort and balance needed drop a lot, and movements become shorter. It is the easiest way to keep going when his thighs tire.
- Start in the basic position.
- He lowers one knee and then the other to the floor, either side of her hips.
- He leans forward and rests one or both hands on the floor beside her.
- He moves with short strokes from his hips.
Variation 3: she rises onto her hands, a different angle
She straightens her arms and props herself on her hands instead of her forearms.
With straight arms, her chest lifts and the angle of her pelvis changes, so entry from above feels different. It increases the arch in her lower back and the load on her wrists, so it is best kept short. He stays squatting over her as in the basic position.
- Start in the basic position, with her on her forearms.
- She places her hands under her shoulders and straightens her arms.
- He adjusts the height of his squat to the new angle.
- If her lower back or wrists complain, she returns to her forearms.
✓ Tips
- Do it on a firm surface: a soft mattress makes his squat unstable.
- He keeps one hand on the floor and his weight over his feet; he should not sit or drop onto her.
- Move with short, controlled up-and-down strokes. If the penis slips out, do not drop back down hard: it can bend and be injured.
- She can place a thin cushion under her hips if her lower back gets tired from the arch.
- Holding a deep squat is tiring: change position as soon as his thighs or knees start to burn, or if either of you feels unsteady.
- Use lubricant; for anal sex, plenty of it, go slowly and use a condom. Do not switch from anus to vagina without changing the condom.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from above and behind
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal or anal penetration from above and behind, at a downward angle
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cowboy suitable for beginners?
Not really: he has to hold a deep squat and keep his balance while moving. It is better for couples with some experience and good leg strength.
Is it the same as doggy style?
No. In doggy style she is on all fours and he kneels behind her. Here she lies face down on her forearms and he squats over her, entering from above.
What if his knees or thighs get tired?
He can lower his knees to the floor either side of her and continue kneeling, or switch to another rear-entry position.
Can it be used for anal sex?
Yes, with plenty of lubricant and a condom, slow movements and the receiving partner in control of when to go further.
Safety and evidence
This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.
G-spot: what the evidence says
The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.
Anatomical variability
Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.
Lubrication and comfort
When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.
Anal sex: care and prevention
The anus does not lubricate itself and its lining is thin. Plenty of lubricant, a condom, going slowly and being able to stop at any moment make it more comfortable and lower the risk of injury and infection.
Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs
It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.
STI protection: condoms and dental dams
A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.
Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·
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