Air control
Also said as Aerial steering
How much you can change direction while in the air. Physics says none. Most games give nearly all of it.
Air control is a design choice about commitment. High control forgives. Low control makes every jump a decision you must live with.
Say it
“Set air control to 85% of ground acceleration. Players should be able to correct a jump but not reverse it instantly.”
Where you’ve seen it
Mario can steer freely in the air. The original Prince of Persia and Castlevania allow almost nothing once you have left the ground, so each jump is a commitment.
Not to be confused with double jump
Air control steers the jump you already made. A double jump makes another one.