How far may a backstroker roll?
B · Beginner · The stroke · 2 of 6A backstroker must push off and swim on the back throughout the race, except during a turn. The body may roll, but not as far as 90 degrees from horizontal, so the swimmer may be almost on their side but never on it or past it. The position of the head does not matter.
How it works
- The rule: "At the starting signal and after each turn the Athlete must push off and swim on their back throughout the race except when executing a turn".
- The roll: "The Athlete's normal position on their back may include a roll movement of the body up to but not including 90 degrees from horizontal."
- The head: "The position of the head is not relevant."
- The arms and legs: the rule does not say how they must move. Alternating arms and a flutter kick are what swimmers use, and a double-arm pull is legal.
- The exception: during a turn the shoulders may go past vertical onto the breast.
- Off the wall: the swimmer must be on the back when the feet leave the wall after a turn.
Tricky cases
A backstroker rolls right onto one side while reaching for the wall at the finish. Is that legal?
No. The roll must stop short of 90 degrees. The finish must also be made on the back.
Can a backstroker turn their head to look at the next lane?
Yes. The position of the head is not relevant.
Can a backstroker pull with both arms at once?
Yes. The rule is about being on the back. It does not set an arm action.
Can a backstroker use a dolphin kick?
Yes. No kick is specified. Under water it is limited by the 15 m rule.
Why the rule exists
Backstroke is defined by which way the swimmer faces. Some roll is part of any efficient stroke, so the rule allows it and draws the line at the point where the swimmer would be on their side. Leaving the head out of it means a swimmer who glances sideways is not penalised.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | SW 6.2 |
| During a turn | The shoulders may turn past vertical onto the breast | SW 6.4 |
| Breaststroke and butterfly | The body must be on the breast | SW 7.2; SW 8.1 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Two: Swimming Rules (in force as from February 2026), Articles 6.2 and 6.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).