It's supposed to "provide the ultimate connection, both physical and emotional." 👀
If you’ve seen Netflix’s Sex/Life (season 1, episode 5 specifically), you saw the steamy scene where Brad does a sexy hover-fuck move over Billie using the coital alignment technique sex position. “When done right, it provides the ultimate connection, both physical and emotional,” says Billie in a voiceover, as Brad slowly rocks against her, staring deeply into her eyes. “I felt closer to him than I had to anyone.”
This is the moment the internet collectively Googled “coital alignment technique sex position.” The coital alignment technique, aka CAT, aka “riding high,” is a real position that’s scientifically designed (no, really) to increase clitoral stimulation during penetrative sex. And that ultimate connection thing? Sarah Shahi (Billie) and Adam Demos (Brad) are dating IRL. Coincidence…or CAT?!
“CAT might look a lot like missionary sex to some, but focuses on stimulating the clitoris during penetration by aligning the pelvises of two people just right and moving in a different motion than you may be used to,” says host of the Ask a Sex Therapist podcast, Heather Shannon, LCPC, CST. “The penis or strap-on owner uses more of a grinding or rocking motion rather than thrusting to help create friction on the clitoris. The shaft of penis or strap-on runs along the clitoris while the head of the penis is in the vagina and stimulates the opening.”
The clit stim part is huge, considering only 18 percent of people with vaginas can reach orgasm during penetrative sex alone. Given those odds, the success of the coital alignment technique will depend on your body, what you like, and what works for you. “For those who derive pleasure and/or orgasm from rubbing against the top part of the external clitoris, this position may be a fit. If you’re more likely to enjoy internal stimulation, the extra rubbing may not work for you—and that’s fine!” says Jess O’Reilly, ASTROGLIDE’s resident sexologist. Cosmo writer Rachel Varina tried it and said it was an “interesting way to feel connected to your partner, but didn’t give me the explosive orgasm I thought it would.”
Whether the position does or doesn't end in an orgasm, it’s still definitely worth trying. (Remember: Having an orgasm is great, but you don’t *need* to have one to have great sex. Connection can be equally as important and pleasurable!) “CAT prioritizes mutual pleasure of both partners, making it a technique that encourages a more balanced approach to intercourse, rather than being focused on pleasure for the partner with a penis (if heterosexual intercourse),” says Christene Lozano, a certified sex therapist, certified sex addiction therapist, and licensed marriage and family therapist. It can also help a penis-having partner last longer. And if you find you can't cross the finish line, but that you really, really want to (understandable), just whip out a toy, your hand, or guide your ask your partner to perform some lengthy oral. You deserve!
Below, some coital alignment technique sex positions—so you can see what all the hype's about yourself.
The Classic CAT
@LUCYMACARONI The classic version of the coital alignment technique requires the receiving partner to lay on their back with their legs apart, just like in missionary. The penetrating partner positions themselves on top, between the receiver's legs. From there, the penetrating partner lifts themselves higher on the receiver's body, so their chest aligns with the receiver's shoulders and their pubic areas get pressed together.
"The tip of the penis or dildo enters the opening of the vagina, while the base, shaft, and pubic bone rest against your vulva and clitoris," says Renee Denyer, a sex expert and owner at Sh! Women's Store. "Instead of thrusting, rock together with close movements.”
@LUCYMACARONI The Seated CAT
While the coital alignment technique was technically designed for intercourse between a penis and a vagina, it can also work for same-sex couples, especially if one is down to wear a strap-on. “One partner sits on a chair or on the edge of a bed, while the other straddles their lap, facing them. This variation allows for more control and flexibility in movement and positioning,” says Lozano. If you want extra stimulation, add a double-sided vibrator or press a flat vibrator between you.
The Outdoor CAT
@LUCYMACARONI Want something even more clit-forward? Try it without penetration. "Use the penis or toy/strap-on to rub against the receiver's clitoris and vulva," suggests Lyndsey Murray, an AASECT-certified sex therapist at Relationship Matters Therapy, who recommends this variation for anyone who experiences vaginal pain or dryness during sex. "It's a way to receive pleasure without the pain and can still be a lot of fun!" Our rec? Use a ton of lube to make it extra wet and slippery.