How to dq in backstroke

Overview

Backstroke is one of the four competitive swimming strokes recognized by FINA (Fédération Internationale de Natation), the international governing body for aquatic sports. It is unique among the strokes because it is the only one swum on the back. While seemingly simpler than strokes like butterfly or breaststroke, backstroke has its own set of rules and techniques that swimmers must adhere to. Failing to follow these rules can result in disqualification (DQ) from the race. Understanding the specific criteria for a legal backstroke race is essential for any competitive swimmer, from beginners to elite athletes.

Understanding Backstroke Rules and Common Disqualifications

The fundamental rule of backstroke is that the race must be swum on the back. This means the swimmer's body should remain on their back throughout the race, with the exception of the turn. The stroke is characterized by an alternating arm motion, where arms recover over the water and pull through the water, and a flutter kick, where the legs remain relatively straight and move up and down alternately.

The Start

The start in backstroke is initiated from within the water. Swimmers will stand facing the starting wall, with their feet against the wall and hands gripping the starting grips or the edge of the pool. As the starting signal sounds, swimmers push off the wall on their back. A common point of disqualification at the start involves not pushing off on the back, or pushing off too early before the signal.

Body Position

Throughout the race, swimmers are expected to remain on their back. While some slight rotation of the body is natural and necessary for efficient arm strokes and breathing, the swimmer should not roll completely onto their stomach or side for an extended period. A key rule is that the head must break the surface of the water within 15 meters after the start and after each turn. Swimmers are allowed to be fully submerged during this initial push-off and glide phase, but their head must emerge before the 15-meter mark. If a swimmer remains submerged past this point, it can lead to disqualification.

The Turn

The turn in backstroke is a critical phase where many disqualifications occur. When approaching the wall, the swimmer must touch it with their body. Crucially, this touch must be made with both hands simultaneously. The swimmer can then rotate their body onto their stomach and perform a flip turn, or execute a more traditional open turn by touching the wall with their feet and then pushing off. During the turn, a swimmer is permitted to be on their stomach, but only momentarily as they execute the rotation and push-off. The rule states that the swimmer cannot pass the vertical of the wall on their back before initiating the turn. After pushing off the wall, the swimmer must return to their back before their head breaks the surface of the water, and their head must break the surface within the 15-meter zone.

The Finish

Similar to the turn, the finish of a backstroke race requires a specific action to be legal. The swimmer must touch the wall with two hands simultaneously. The touch must be made while the swimmer is still on their back. If a swimmer touches the wall with only one hand, or if they rotate onto their stomach before touching the wall, they will be disqualified. This is a common mistake, especially for swimmers who are fatigued or focused solely on reaching the wall quickly.

Prohibited Actions

Several actions are explicitly prohibited in backstroke and will result in disqualification:

• Pulling on the lane line: Swimmers are not allowed to use the lane lines to assist their progress.
• Walking on the bottom: Touching the bottom of the pool to gain an advantage is illegal.
• Kicking on the stomach: While a brief moment on the stomach is allowed during the turn, a swimmer cannot swim any part of the race, other than the turn, on their stomach. This includes performing kicks on the stomach.
• Not touching the wall: Failing to touch the wall at turns or the finish is an automatic DQ.
• Incorrect touch: As mentioned, not touching with two hands simultaneously at turns and the finish is a DQ.
• Exceeding the 15-meter mark submerged: Not having the head break the surface within 15 meters after the start or turn.

Understanding these rules is paramount for swimmers. Officials watch closely for infractions, and a simple mistake can negate an otherwise excellent performance. Practicing turns and finishes correctly, focusing on maintaining back position, and being aware of the 15-meter rule are key to avoiding disqualification in backstroke.