How to Do It: “In the captain position, the receiving partner lies on their back, legs raised and open,” says Maguire. (Think: legs in a V-shape.) “The penetrating partner kneels between their thighs, holding their ankles for stability and control. Invite gentle movement—hips rocking, micro-adjustments, vocal expression—so both partners stay tuned to sensation rather than performance.”

Pros: Deep penetration, lots of eye contact, and the receiver has both hands free for clitoral stimulation.

Cons: Tired arms for the penetrating partner. “Holding the ankles for extended periods may strain the giver’s wrists or shoulders,” says Maguire. You can stop for a moment to shake it out, or switch to another position.

Switch It Up: The receiver can scissor their legs—closed then open—to adjust how tight the position feels.

Make It Hotter: All that clit access? Yeah, don’t waste it. Use a hand or fire up a really good sex toy.

How to Do It: Assume the regular captain position with the receiver lying on their back, legs spread, and the giver kneeling between their legs to enter. “Then the giver leans forward slightly, draping their chest over the partner’s legs,” says Maguire.

Pros: More skin-to-skin contact that creates a cocooned, nurturing feel, says Maguire.

Cons: According to Maguire, the deep angle can be overwhelming if the receiver isn’t fully relaxed or aroused. So, use lube. Lots of it. A high-quality one you know and love.

Switch It Up: The giver can hold both the receiver’s legs together on one side to switch up the stimulation and add a tighter feel.

Make It Hotter: “Place a pillow under the receiver’s sacrum to tilt the hips upward, easing pressure and enhancing pleasure,” she says.

How to Do It: The receiver lies on their back with their legs bent. The giver kneels between their partner’s legs to penetrate. “But instead of holding the ankles, the receiving partner’s legs are placed over the giver’s shoulders,” says Maguire.

Pros: “This angle deepens penetration and frees the hands for touch, connection, or stimulation,” she says.

Cons: If flexibility is an issue, the receiver might not be able to get their legs over their partner’s shoulders. They can try putting their feet on their partner’s chest or wherever else seems comfortable, and/or use a pillow or sex wedge for optimal angling.

Switch It Up: Since the giver’s hands are free in this version, they can use lubed-up fingers to rub the receiver’s clit. A lubed-up palm pressed gently on the entire vulva is a good warm-up move.

Make It Hotter: The giver can kiss and suck on the receiver’s toes.

How to Do It: This one is just like the regular captain position, but a slow-mo version. “Slow everything down and let the movement be guided by the breath. Breathe together. One deep inhale, one deep thrust—creating a rhythm rooted in nervous system regulation, not performance,” says Maguire.

Pros: Maximum bonding. “Syncing breath deepens connection and can help the receiving partner relax into the experience,” she says.

Cons: A slow-mo version inherently won’t work for a quickie. Save this for when you have plenty of time to get lost in each other.

Switch It Up: This lends itself to lots of bonding eye contact, but you can also try closing your eyes to heighten the sounds, scents, and sensations of each other.

Make It Hotter: Absolutely use a sex toy, but a quiet one so there’s not a loud buzz accompanying your breaths.