What are the backstroke races, and what are the rules?
B · Beginner · The stroke · 1 of 6Backstroke is swum on the back over 50 m, 100 m and 200 m. It is the only stroke that starts in the water. The swimmer must stay on the back except during a turn, must surface by 15 m after the start and each turn, and must touch the finish wall while still on the back.
How it works
- The distances: 50 m, 100 m and 200 m for men and for women.
- The start: in the water, facing the wall and holding the grips on the starting platform.
- On the back: from the start to the finish, with a roll of less than 90 degrees allowed.
- Under water: no more than 15 m after the start and after each turn.
- The turn: the swimmer may roll onto the front to turn, must touch the wall and must be on the back again on leaving it.
- The finish: a touch on the wall while on the back.
- The flags: lines of flags hang across the pool 5 m from each end, so that swimmers can judge the wall without looking.
- The winner: the fastest time, recorded to a hundredth of a second by touch panels on the wall.
Tricky cases
Why do backstrokers start in the water?
Because the rule says so. The start for backstroke races is in the water, facing the wall and holding the starting grips.
Can a backstroker turn onto the front to see the wall?
Yes, but only as part of a turn. Once the shoulders go past vertical, the swimmer must begin the turn at once.
Is there a 400 m backstroke?
No. The distances are 50 m, 100 m and 200 m.
Why the rule exists
Each stroke is defined by a few tests an official can see from the deck. For backstroke the test is the position of the body, so the rules say when the swimmer must be on the back and where the one exception lies.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | SW 1.2; SW 6 |
| World Championships in 25 m pools | The same three distances | SW 1.4 |
| Junior and other events | The programme is set in the same article for each championship | SW 1.5 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Two: Swimming Rules (in force as from February 2026), Articles 1.2 to 1.5 and 6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).