Glossary of Figure Skating Terms - B

B

Backflip

A reverse somersault in the air. They are banned in competition, but play a role in show skating and exhibitions.

Besti squat

a spread-eagle like move where the skater glides on two outside edges with knees bent. It is named after Natalia Bestemianova.

BiDs

Backward inside death spiral.

Biellmann spin

A catch-foot position where the free leg is pulled above the head from behind. Can be either a spin or a spiral position. By regulation, a spin becomes a Biellmann at the moment the skate passes over the level of the head. It is named after Denise Biellmann, who popularized the position but did not invent it.

Boards

The vertical barrier between the ice and the ground at the point where the ice ends. In non-Olympic competitions, they are usually covered with advertisements for the sponsors. At the Olympics, they are usually covered by designs or the Olympic logo.

BoDs

Backward outside death spiral.

Bracket turn

A one-foot turn with a change of edge that results in a '}' shape traced on the ice.

Butterfly jump

A flying spin with a two-foot takeoff. The body goes almost parallel to the ice in the air, with a scissoring leg motion.

Bye

Permission to compete in the a higher level of competition without having competed in the requisite qualifying competition.