The Bow & Arrow Sex Position

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Some sex positions have pretty obvious names — Cowgirl, for instance. The Bow and Arrow takes a bit more explaining: picture the receiving partner's arm reaching down from above like a nocked, ready-to-fire arrow. Whatever you call it, this position might just hit the mark for you!

The Bow and Arrow — also called Cupid's Arrow — has the penetrating partner lying down with legs spread. The receiving partner kneels between their knees, but instead of lying flush against them, props themselves up with hands flat on the bed on either side of the other person's upper body.

What The Receiver Does In The Bow and Arrow Position

In this position, the receiving partner stays on top, as shown above. Their job is mainly finding the right positioning for penetration, which might mean adjusting your knee and leg placement.

Hip movement can be limited here, so it may work best to let your partner handle the thrusting.

What The Penetrating Partner Does In The Bow and Arrow Sex Position

As the one on the bottom, you can thrust upward with your hips. Planting your feet flat on the bed gives you extra leverage. Grab some thrusting tips here.

Your hands are free to grip your partner's butt, hips, or waist — whatever fits your bodies. You could also stroke her face or caress her breasts and nipples. If she can lean forward far enough, you might even get to suck on her nipples. This position also lends itself well to hair pulling — just be sure you've gotten enthusiastic consent beforehand.

How To Enhance The Bow and Arrow Position

A few tweaks can make the Bow and Arrow work better for you.

Pillow Positioning – Slipping a pillow under the penetrating partner's hips or butt raises them up, making penetration easier. A firm memory foam pillow holds its shape better than a soft feather one.

Go deeper: 9 Sex Wedge & Pillow Positions (+ Demonstrations).

Thigh sex – Penetration in this position can be tricky, especially with bigger bodies (12 positions for larger partners) or a smaller penis. If it's not clicking, get creative — this position can still feel great with thigh sex, where the penetrating partner slides between your thighs, especially with plenty of lube!

Learn more about choosing the best lube for your needs.

Rise and Grind – Given how your bodies line up in Cupid's Arrow, it can be great for clitoral stimulation through grinding. You could also add a vibrator between you, or a vibrating cock ring for extra intensity!

Variations of the Bow and Arrow & Similar Positions

Try a few variations, or switch to a comparable position for a change of pace!

Coital Alignment

The Coital Alignment Technique doesn't look much like Bow and Arrow, but both can offer clitoral stimulation thanks to body positioning. CAT may be simpler for some couples to pull off, though.

Man Missionary

Man Missionary is often easier to manage than Bow and Arrow. You get more hip freedom with legs outside your partner's, plus the ability to lean in for intimacy and kissing — great for love making!

Cowgirl

Cowgirl, the classic woman-on-top position, is a solid fallback if Bow and Arrow isn't working. You get to control angle, depth, and pace, while your partner enjoys the view — and there are plenty of ways to add clitoral stimulation, whether by hand or toy.

Jockey

Jockey doesn't have much in common with Bow and Arrow, but if being on your stomach appeals to you, it might be worth a try.

Sean's Thoughts On The Bow and Arrow Sex Position

Bow and Arrow stands apart from Cowgirl and other woman-on-top positions while still being manageable for a lot of couples. That makes it worth a shot at least once! But if it just doesn't click for your bodies, no worries — there's a whole world of other positions to explore.

March 27, 2025