The back aerial (abbreviated as "bair", "BAir", "b-air" or "ABA") is an aerial attack that is performed in midair by pressing the A Button, and tilting the control stick in the direction opposite to which the character is facing. Its official term varies between titles, where it is known as a "Back Midair Attack" in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and a "Back Air Attack" in Brawl.
Notable characters' back aerials
- Jigglypuff's back aerial in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl, used for the highly effective "Wall of Pain".
- Kirby's back aerial in Melee, an attack similar to Jigglypuff's back aerial but instead has no start-up lag. The move is dubbed the "Fence of Pain".
- Marth and Roy's back aerials, which allow them to turn around while still in midair. These are the only aerials able to do so in the Super Smash Bros series.
- Ness and Zelda's back aerials in Melee, which are powerful semi-spikes. Zelda's back aerial semi-spike can only be achieved from a hit with the sweetspot at her toe.
- Toon Link's quick back aerial, with minimal knockback in Brawl. The move is effective for positioning the opponent for an immediate down aerial.