The Back Basic is simply the reverse of the Forward Basic. It is also comprised of two walks followed by a chasse, to the count of "Slow, Slow, Quick Quick", but with man moving backwards and lady forward.

In practical application, the Back Basic is rarely danced exactly as-is. Normally it is taken with a quarter turn (or more) over steps 2-4 in order to prepare another forward movement. Without the turn, the Back Basic puts the man in the awkward position of having to move blindly backwards for an extended period of time. Therefore, it is used primarily as a teaching tool in order to prepare students for the turning version (see Progressive Quarter Turns). If one must dance a Back Basic in practical application on a dance floor with other dancers around them, it should be danced once and not repeated.