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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-backstroke-on-back

How must a swimmer be positioned during backstroke, except at turns?

On the back from start to finish, except at turns.

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  1. On the back ✔
  2. On the front
  3. On the side

Why: Backstroke is swum on the back the whole race. During a turn the shoulders may roll past vertical, but the swimmer must be back on the back when leaving the wall.

Huh, didn't know that: Rolling the body is allowed in backstroke, up to but not including 90 degrees from flat.

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References

Answer: On the back. Backstroke is swum on the back the whole race. During a turn the shoulders may roll past vertical, but the swimmer must be back on the back when leaving the wall.

  1. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    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
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    The Athlete must have returned to the position on the back upon leaving the wall.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    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.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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