Cobra
A striking position with the receiving partner raised up.
About This Position
The receiving partner lies face down with their upper body raised on their forearms, like a cobra ready to strike, while the penetrating partner lies on top from behind. This position changes the angle of penetration and creates a striking visual.
Best For
Anatomy & Physiology
Muscle Groups Involved
- Glutes
- Lower back
- Hamstrings
- Inner thighs
Angle of Penetration
Slightly downward, deep penetration with full body contact
Targeted Pleasure Zones
Body Contact Points
Step-by-Step Guide
The receiving partner lies face down, then pushes up onto their forearms, lifting the chest off the surface while keeping the hips and legs flat. This creates the cobra-strike posture — upper body raised like the snake, which changes the angle of the vaginal canal from flat to slightly upward.
The receiving partner's forearms should be shoulder-width apart, elbows under shoulders, creating a stable base. The back arches naturally from this position, which tilts the pelvis forward and changes where penetration contacts internally.
The penetrating partner lies on top from behind, positioning their chest against the receiving partner's raised back. The weight distribution is important — the penetrating partner supports some weight on their forearms to avoid crushing the receiving partner's raised upper body.
Enter from behind at the angle created by the raised upper body — the cobra posture creates a slight downward angle from behind that targets the G-spot and anterior wall differently than flat prone positions. The arch in the back amplifies this angle.
Use a grinding motion rather than thrusting — the raised upper body limits the range of hip motion for the penetrating partner, and the grinding motion maintains the close body contact that makes this position intimate. Small circular hip movements work best.
The receiving partner can adjust the cobra height: higher forearms = more arch = steeper angle; lower forearms = flatter = less intense angle. Finding the sweet spot where the G-spot stimulation is optimal requires experimentation.
Safety & Precautions
Warnings
- ! Communicate with your partner about comfort throughout.
Modifications
- * Use pillows for support and comfort.
- * Adjust the angle or depth based on your partner's feedback.
Generally safe during pregnancy — adjust depth and pace for comfort.
Medical References & Sources
The information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy by certified health professionals. The following peer-reviewed and authoritative sources were used in developing this guide:
- • Mayo Clinic — Sexual Health
- • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Sexual Health
- • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- • Cleveland Clinic — Sexual Health
- • Healthline — Healthy Sex & Relationships
Health Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before trying new positions, especially if you have back pain, joint issues, are pregnant, or have any medical condition. Stop immediately if you experience pain.
Pros
- + Unique angle of penetration
- + Great for G-spot stimulation
- + Striking and visually exciting
Cons
- - Can be uncomfortable for the receiving partner's back
- - Limited movement
- - Requires some upper body strength
Tips
- * Use a pillow under the hips for comfort
- * The receiving partner can arch their back for better angle
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right technique, small errors can reduce pleasure or increase injury risk. Here are the most common mistakes couples make with the Cobra position:
Lying completely flat instead of raising the upper body
The Cobra is defined by the raised upper body posture — lying flat on the stomach is just a standard prone position, not the Cobra. The forearm lift is what creates the unique angle and the visual "cobra" shape. Without the lift, you lose the position's distinctive sensation.
Penetrating partner bearing full weight on the receiving partner
The receiving partner is supporting their upper body on their forearms, and the penetrating partner lying fully on top crushes this posture. The penetrating partner must support weight on their own forearms or hands, keeping enough space for the receiving partner to maintain the cobra arch.
Lower back pain from over-arching
The cobra posture requires a back arch that some people aren't flexible enough to maintain. If the receiving partner feels lower back pain, they should reduce the arch height or place a pillow under the hips to support the lower back. Pain in this position means the arch is too extreme for the person's flexibility.
Ignoring the visual excitement
The cobra posture creates a striking visual — the raised upper body, arched back, and rear-entry angle are visually exciting for the penetrating partner. Not acknowledging this visual element (complimenting, looking, reacting) misses a key arousal component of the position.
Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic Cobra, these variations can add new sensations and keep things exciting:
Add a Pillow
Place a pillow under the receiving partner's hips to change the angle of penetration and enhance stimulation.
Incorporate Manual Stimulation
Use hands to add clitoral or other external stimulation during the position for enhanced pleasure.
Slow Down the Pace
Switch from thrusting to grinding for a more intimate, sensation-focused experience.
Try Different Surfaces
Move from the bed to a couch, standing, or against a wall for different angles and experiences.
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Lotus
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Butterfly
Lift the legs for deep penetration and eye contact.
Written by Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Certified Sex Therapist, PhD in Human Sexuality
Reviewed by Dr. James Chen
Board-Certified OB/GYN, 15+ Years Experience
Last reviewed: July 2026 | Content medically verified | Meet our full team
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