In this event each rower uses both hands to manipulate one oar. The continuous stroke cycle may be broken into four phases:
The "catch" occurs as the vertical blade of the oar enters the water behind the rower; at this time the knees are bent and close to the chest, the torso is forward, and the arms are fully extended.
The "drive" phase provides propulsion; the legs push against the footrests, driving back the movable seat as the oar blade is drawn through the water. As the seat reaches its foremost position, the athlete leans back and finishes the stroke with the arms.
As the hands are brought to the chest to finish the stroke, the oar handle is lowered to "release" the blade from the water, and the hand nearest the blade rolls the oar while the other hand begins to push.
In the "recovery" phase the rower’s hands move away from the body, the torso returns to a forward position, and the knees bend as the rower slides toward the stern. The rower then rolls the oar and prepares to lower it into the water for the next catch.