Balance – The ability to maintain control of body position, whether still or moving.

Baroreceptor – A receptor in blood vessels that detects changes in blood pressure.

Basal ganglia – A group of brain structures involved in movement control and coordination.

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) – The minimum energy required to sustain basic body functions at rest.

Behavioural objective – A clear, specific statement of what a learner should be able to do.

Bernoulli's Principle - A principle in fluid dynamics stating that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. Applied to lift generation (e.g., in discus or ski jumping).

Beta oxidation – The process of breaking down fatty acids for energy during aerobic activity.

Biceps brachii – A muscle in the upper arm responsible for elbow flexion.

Bilateral Transfer - The improvement in performance of a skill on one side of the body as a result of practice with the other side.

Biomechanical analysis – Study of human movement using mechanical principles.

Biomechanics – The science of movement and the forces acting on the body.

Biomotor abilities – Core physical attributes such as strength, speed, endurance, and coordination.

Biopsy – A medical procedure to remove tissue for analysis (e.g., muscle fibre typing).

Biopsy needle – A tool used to extract tissue samples from muscle.

Blood doping – A banned method of increasing red blood cell count to enhance performance.

Blood flow – The movement of blood through the circulatory system.

Blood Glucose Concentration - The amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood is tightly regulated by hormones like insulin and glucagon for energy supply.

Blood lactate – A form of lactic acid found in the blood during anaerobic exercise.

Blood pressure – The force exerted by blood on artery walls, measured in systolic and diastolic values.

Blood vessels – Tubes (arteries, veins, capillaries) that carry blood throughout the body.

Body composition – The proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in the body.

Body dysmorphia – A mental health condition where someone is obsessed with perceived body flaws.

Body image – An individual’s perception of their physical appearance.

Body mass index (BMI) – A calculation using height and weight to assess body size.

Bodyweight training – Strength exercises using the individual's own weight for resistance.

Bone density – The strength and thickness of bones, often influenced by exercise.

Bone marrow – The soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.

Bone mineral content – The amount of mineral in bone tissue, important for skeletal strength.

Bone remodelling – The continuous process of bone renewal and repair.

Boundary conditions – Constraints or limits that influence how skills are performed in context.

Bradycardia – A slower-than-normal resting heart rate, often seen in trained athletes.

Brainstem – The part of the brain connecting to the spinal cord, controlling basic life functions.

Bronchi – Airways in the lungs that carry air from the trachea to the bronchioles.

Bronchodilator – A drug that widens the air passages in the lungs, used in asthma treatment.

Bronchioles – Smaller branches of the bronchi that direct air to the alveoli.

Buoyancy – The upward force water exerts on an object, important in aquatic activities.

Buffering capacity – The body’s ability to neutralise acid buildup during exercise.

Build-up phase – A training stage where volume or intensity is gradually increased.

Burst training – High-intensity, short-duration effort followed by recovery.

Biomechanical efficiency – The effectiveness of movement with minimal wasted energy.

Blood glucose – The level of sugar in the bloodstream, used for energy.

Bioelectrical impedance – A method for estimating body composition using electrical currents.

Back extension – A movement or exercise that strengthens the muscles of the lower back.

Balance training – Exercises designed to improve postural control and coordination.

Behavioural psychology – The study of how thoughts and actions affect sports performance.

Ballistic stretching – A form of stretching that involves bouncing movements to push muscles beyond normal range.

Band resistance training – Using elastic bands to provide resistance during exercise.

Beats per minute (BPM) – A measure of heart rate or tempo in music and training.

Bilateral transfer – The transfer of a learned skill from one side of the body to the other.

Blending – Combining different types of training or learning methods to enhance skill development.

Biomechanical overload – Excess mechanical stress placed on the body during movement or training.