What is the Sniper Sexual Position?

The sniper sex position is an excellent way to make oral sex more comfortable, engaging and enjoyable for both the partners. You may or may not have heard of it before, or maybe even tried it, but there are a few tricks that can make the experience even better. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to oral sex, but a lot of people enjoy reclining on a bed, couch, or chair while their partner kneels in front of them. The sniper position switches things up by having the giver lie down instead of kneeling, which helps take the strain off the knees and lower back. That’s why this position is often considered one of the best for oral sex. Let’s explain how it works and why it’s worth giving it a shot.

What is the Sniper Sex Position?

In this position, the person giving oral sex lies flat on their stomach, usually with their arms in a diamond shape.[1] This setup allows them to use their hands for precise stimulation while also engaging their tongue for extra pleasure. This move is most commonly linked to mouth-to-vulva oral sex, making it a favorite among lesbian couples, but it can be adapted for those with penises as well. Unlike the traditional oral sex position—where the receiver lies down and the giver kneels between their legs—the sniper position requires a bit more space. If your bed feels cramped, laying down a blanket on the floor can give you more room to move comfortably.

Positions like the sniper style can enhance pleasure by allowing better angles for clitoral and vaginal stimulation. This position also gives the giver more control over movement and pressure, which can be beneficial for both partners.

How Did This Position Become Popular?

The term "Sniper Style" or "Sniper Position" comes from internet slang. It describes performing oral sex while lying on your stomach, much like a sniper, instead of kneeling, which is often called "Pray Style." The term first appeared on Urban Dictionary in April 2022 and gained popularity on Twitter in January 2023 when memes and viral tweets brought more attention to it. It’s unclear exactly when the term was first used in this context, but it has definitely made its mark online. In fact, according to a Google Trends analysis by the sex toy review site Bedbible, "sniper" was the most-searched sex position in North Carolina.

Benefits of the Sniper Sex Position

Giver Can Also Enjoy While this position is mainly designed to maximize pleasure for the receiver, the giver isn’t left out. Since they’re lying flat, they can grind their genitals against the floor, which can create pleasurable sensations. For some, this can even lead to orgasm because of the grinding. Convenient for people with Knee or Back Pain If you have knee or lower back pain, this position could be a game-changer. Many oral sex positions require the giver to kneel, which can be uncomfortable for people with joint or mobility issues. The sniper position takes the pressure off the knees by allowing the giver to lie down instead. But this position does require some neck flexibility, as the giver may need to tilt their head back more than usual. A simple trick to reduce strain is placing a pillow under the receiver’s hips. This small tweak can make a big difference, much like in other positions such as the speed bump or corkscrew. And also placing a pillow under the giver’s hips can add extra support and make it even more comfortable. Helps with Extra Stimulation For many people, clitoral stimulation is key to reaching orgasm, and this position makes it easy to achieve. It also allows for extra vaginal or anal stimulation using hands or sex toys. A vibrator can be placed under the receiver’s hips while oral sex is happening, or the giver can use their fingers for added pleasure. A cock ring can also be worn to increase stimulation. Another perk? This position makes it easy to transition from foreplay into penetrative sex, like the prone bone or closed missionary position, depending on what you and your partner enjoy.

How to Make the Sniper Sex Position Even Better

If you want to take this experience up a notch, here are some simple tips:

• Use a pillow for comfort and a better view. Placing a pillow under the receiver’s neck can help them see their partner in action, which can be super arousing. A mirror behind them can add an extra visual element by providing multiple angles.
• Boost communication without words. Since talking might be tricky in this position, the receiver can use their hands or legs to gently guide their partner, signaling when they want more or less pressure.
• Play around with lubrication. While saliva is usually enough for oral sex, flavored lubes can add a new sensory element and make the experience even more enjoyable—especially if you’re incorporating sex toys.