How does a backstroke race start?
B · Beginner · The stroke · 3 of 6Backstroke starts in the water. The swimmers face the wall with both hands on the starting grips. They may not stand in or on the gutter or curl their toes over its lip. Where a backstroke ledge is used, at least one toe of each foot must touch the wall or the touch panel.
How it works
- Into the water: after a short series of whistles the referee gives a long whistle, and the athletes "must immediately enter the water".
- To the wall: at the second long whistle they return "without undue delay to the starting position".
- The position: lined up in the water "facing the starting end, with both hands holding the starting grips".
- The gutter: "Standing in or on the gutter or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter is prohibited."
- The ledge: "When using a Backstroke ledge at the start, at least one toe of each foot must be in contact with the end wall or face of the touchpad."
- The touch panel: "Bending the toes over the top of the touchpad is prohibited."
- Take your marks: given when all the athletes are in position. The starting signal follows when all are stationary.
- The ledge itself: a bar at least 60 cm long that can be set from 4 cm above to 4 cm below the water level. The turn inspector fits it and takes it away.
The command is take your marks.
Tricky cases
Can a backstroker's toes be out of the water at the start?
Yes. The rule bans standing in the gutter and curling toes over its lip or over the top of the touch panel. It does not require the toes to be under water.
Can a swimmer choose not to use the ledge?
Yes. The rule sets a condition "when using" a ledge. It does not oblige a swimmer to use one.
Can a backstroker start with one hand on the grip?
No. Both hands hold the starting grips.
Can both feet rest on the ledge with no toe on the wall?
No. At least one toe of each foot must touch the end wall or the face of the touch panel.
Why the rule exists
A backstroker pushes off a wet wall, and feet used to slip. The ledge gives a foothold. The rules on toes stop a swimmer gaining height by hooking the feet over the gutter or the top of the panel, which would turn the start into a launch from above the water.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Aquatics rules | As above | SW 4.2; SW 6.1; SW 15.10 |
| Other strokes | A dive from the starting platform | SW 4.1 |
| Medley relay | The first swimmer swims backstroke, so the race starts in the water | SW 4.2 |
From the rule book
World Aquatics, Competition Regulations, Part Two: Swimming Rules (in force as from February 2026), Articles 2.8.5, 4.2, 6.1 and 15.10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Aquatics Competition Regulations (PDF).