By Carrie Murphy

Add these cheeky moves to your bedroom playbook.

Whether you’ve tried anal sex or not, you’ve probably heard that a little booty play can be amazing. But there’s one adjacent area that could use a little more erotic attention: your butt cheeks.

These pillowy protectors are actually an incredible area to stimulate during sex or foreplay – and not just on the way to full-on butt sex. “Anal stimulation itself is very sexy for many, but it’s too much for others,” says sexologist Dr Carol Queen. “Engaging the cheeks adds a lot of erotic value and gives you anal-ish pleasure, without going all the way.”

READ MORE: 31 ways to have more fun with your boobs

Squeeze Them

A good old ass grab can have a lot of sexual power. And your cheeks are wonderful for grabbing onto while thrusting (giver and receiver can enjoy this), says Queen. But to amp up this move, be strategic about your hand-to-booty placement. Try to get your fingertips in the cleft (aka the crack) near the anus, which is especially sensitive for men and women, she says. Fun fact: the nerves in the cleft are connected to the genitals, making this a very erotically sensitive part of your derriere. Butt cracks, FTW!

Spank Them

Some light spanking can spice up your go-to sex position. But, like the ass grab, it’s all about the technique. “Spanking feels most erotic right on the bottom swell of the cheeks,” she says. Also, it’s important to make the first smack rather gentle and sensual, says Queen. A big thwack out of the blue is only a turn on for some people, so make sure you know your partner’s style before giving it a go.

Pull Them Apart

Since those butt crack nerves signal the genitals, pulling your cheeks apart (or his) can feel very satisfying, says Queen. At the same time, pushing them together can also be stimulating. Have some fun figuring out what turns you on.

READ MORE: These sex positions will get you to the finish.

Try Different Positions

Trying a variety of positions is also beneficial for your butt pleasure, says Queen. That’s because switching up your style allows you to discover more ways to integrate cheek play into intercourse, she says. Try doggy style and reverse cowgirl to get started.

Looking for more info on backdoor action? Here’s the lowdown on trying anal sex and some of the side effects (if you’re not gentle).

The article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com