Backstroke:

Start – The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. Prior to the starting signal, the swimmer’s feet, including toes, shall be placed under the surface of the water, where they shall remain until the starting signal.

Stroke – The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race. The swimmer may be completely submerged during a turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters after the start and each turn. After 15 meters the head must have broken the surface.

Turns - A swimmer must touch the wall to signify the completion of one length in the heat. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to execute the turn. Once the body has left the position on the back, any kick or arm pull must be part of the continuous turning action. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall.

 Finish – Upon the finish of the race, the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. The body may be submerged at the touch.

The backstroke flags (triangular pennants) are 15 feet from each end of the pool to help swimmers prepare for a flip turn or to finish during the backstroke.