Editing Neutral attack

[[File:Roy Screen-2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|{{SSB4|Roy}}'s neutral attack in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Wii U]]''.]]

From ''Brawl'' onwards, holding the attack button instead of pressing it for the first hit of certain neutral attacks will cause the character to continually perform the first attack at a very high speed until it hits an opponent. This property is known as '''consecutiveness''', and can be a helpful way to ensure an opponent will be hit by a jab without requiring strict timing. Additionally, when a neutral attack connects, regardless of whether it possesses consecutiveness, the next stages can be activated by simply holding the button, rather than pressing it repeatedly like in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''Melee''.

Since generally all nonfinal stages of a natural combo have the simple purpose of leading into the final one, most neutral attacks are defined by the nature of their final stage. To this end, there are three types of jab enders:

[[File:Mario AAA Combo SSBM.gif|thumb|right|250px|{{SSBM|Mario}}'s Standard jab in ''[[Melee]].'']]

Characters like Mario, [[Sonic]], and [[Ness]] have jabs that end with a simple final hit, launching opponents away. Certain characters with one-hit jabs that are not natural combos, such as [[Pikachu]], [[Ganondorf]], and [[Roy]], fall into this category as well. Because this is by far the most common type of jab, there is not a universally accepted term for it.

===Rapid jabs===

[[File:Smash 4 - Fox's finishing jab.jpeg|thumb|right|250px|The final hit of {{SSB4|Fox}}'s rapid jab in ''[[Smash 4]].'']]

A '''rapid jab''' (officially known as a '''flurry attack''' in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'') is a constantly-looping flurry of incredibly fast and weak attacks that link into each other. Once this attack is launched, it can be infinitely looped by pressing the attack button repeatedly in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', or by simply holding it from ''Brawl'' onward. Despite their infinite nature, rapid jabs can be escaped relatively quickly with proper [[DI]] and [[SDI]], especially prior to ''Smash 4''. Later games mitigate this by speeding up the rapid jabs' hit rate and lowering their [[SDI multiplier]]s (as well as weakening SDI itself), but they instead slightly push the attacker back after landing a certain number of hits.

The rapid jab ends once the attack button is released. Prior to ''[[Smash 4]]'', this causes the character to simply stop attacking – however, from ''Smash 4'' onwards, rapid jabs have a final hit known as a '''rapid jab finisher''' that is designed to launch opponents away, and is used once the attack button is released. Since no new button input is made to activate this final hit, it is not its own stage of the natural combo.

Characters like [[Kirby]], [[Fox]], and [[Sheik]] are known for possessing rapid jabs. [[Meta Knight]] is unique for having ''only'' a rapid jab, and no standard jab beforehand. Instead, his [[tilt attack]] is a standard three-hit jab.

[[File:GentlemanSSB4.jpg |thumb|right|250px|{{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}'s [[Gentleman]] in ''Smash 4''.]]

A '''choosable jab''' is one that can end either in a rapid jab or a standard final hit (which, in the context of a choosable, may be referred to as a [[Gentleman]]). The rapid jab is chosen by repeatedly pressing the attack button during the nonfinal hits of the jab – once it is launched, it functions identically to the typical rapid jab. Likewise, the Gentleman is chosen by pressing the attack button less frequently, or by simply holding it once the first hit connects with an opponent.

While choosable jabs appear in every installment, they are much more common in ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate''. Characters like [[Captain Falcon]], [[Pit]], [[Little Mac]], and [[Corrin]] are known for possessing choosables.

==List of jabs==

|[[Bayonetta]]||4||Unique||{{n|16}}||Performs three pistol whips, then leans forwards and rapidly thrusts her guns forwards before throwing a downwards gun-spinning punch for a final hit. Unlike most rapid jabs, it is not infinite.

|[[Bowser]]||2||Standard||{{n|16}}||Strikes forwards with one hand, then the other.

|[[Bowser Jr.]]||3||Rapid||{{y|16}}||Deploys a pair of mechanical arms with boxing gloves from the Koopa Clown Car, then uses them to throw a jab, a cross, and then a flurry of rapid punches.

|[[Captain Falcon]]||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}} 4<br/> {{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}} 3||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Rapid<br/> {{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Choosable||{{y|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Jabs twice, [[Gentleman|strikes with his knee]], and then performs a series of one-handed jabs.<br/> {{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Jabs twice, then either strikes with his knee or performs a series of one-handed jabs ending in an uppercut.

|[[Diddy Kong]]||3||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Choosable<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Standard||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} {{n|16}}<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} {{y|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Slaps twice, then either kicks forward or rapidly flicks his tail around in front of himself.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Slaps twice, then throws a side kick.

|[[Falco]]||3||Rapid||{{n|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} Throws two punches, then a series of kicks with incredible speed.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Slashes inwards and then outwards with his wing, then leans forwards while spinning with both wings outstretched to perform a tornado-like series of rapid strikes before finishing with a final slash {{GameIcon|SSB4}}/heel kick {{GameIcon|SSBU}}.

|[[Fox]]||3||Rapid||{{y|16}}||Throws two punches, then a series of kicks with incredible speed.

|[[Ivysaur]]||3||Rapid||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} {{n|16}}<br>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} {{y|16}}<ref>Repeats the first two whips instead of just the first.</ref>||Whips forwards with one vine, then another, and then performs a rapid storm of vine slaps forwards.

|[[King Dedede]]||3||Rapid||{{n|16}}||Swipes inwards with his hammer, then upwards, and then thrusts it forward while spinning its head like a drill for several hits.

|[[Kirby]]||3||Rapid||{{y|16}}||Jabs twice, then throws a very fast series of punches.

|[[Meta Knight]]||1||Rapid||{{n|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Unleashes a storm of slashes to cover his entire body.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Performs several very fast slashes in front of himself before ending with a backflipping slash.

|[[Mewtwo]]||2||Rapid||{{n|16}}||Performs a dark-powered palm thrust, then leans further forwards to release a stream of dark smoke from that same palm for rapid hits.

|[[Mii Brawler]]||3||Rapid||{{y|16}}||Throws two jabs, then a barrage of quick punches ending in a swift back kick.

|[[Min Min]]||''Tapped:'' 3<br/>''Held:'' 1||Choosable||{{n|16}}||''Tapped:'' Kicks forwards, then does a leg sweep, then a series of kicks with incredible speed, finishing off with a straight kick.<br/>''Held:'' Punches forward with her left ARM. Holding it longer decreases lag.

|[[Mr. Game & Watch]]||2||Rapid||{{n|16}}||Pumps insecticide forwards, then begins to pump it much more rapidly.

|[[Palutena]]||2||Rapid||{{n|16}}||Thrusts her staff forwards at hip level, then keeps it there while releasing a rapidly-hitting blast of light from it.

|[[Richter]]||3||Rapid||{{n|16}}<ref name="rs">Holding the attack button instead enables free whip movement.</ref>||Holds a short length of the Vampire Killer in his hands to strike twice with its tip, then rapidly swirls it around in front of himself for multiple hits.

|[[Ridley]]||3||Choosable||{{n|16}}||Slashes inwards with both claws, then either bites in front of himself or performs a high-speed flurry of tail stabs.

|[[Sheik]]||3||Rapid||{{n|16}}||Throws two knifehands, then a series of spearhand thrusts.

|[[Simon]]||3||Rapid||{{n|16}}<ref name="rs"/>||Holds a short length of the Vampire Killer in his hands to strike twice with its tip, then rapidly swirls it around in front of himself for multiple hits.

|[[Villager]]||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} 2<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} 3||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Unique<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Rapid||{{y|16}}<ref>Repeats the first two punches instead of just the first.</ref>||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Throw a pair of alternating hooks.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Throws a pair of alternating hooks, then begins to throw a faster chain of hooks ending with a straight punch.

|[[Zelda]]||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} 1<br/> {{GameIcon|SSBU}} 2||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Standard<br/> {{GameIcon|SSBU}} Rapid||{{n|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Releases three magic sparks from her outstretched palm.<br/> {{GameIcon|SSBU}} Releases two magic sparks from her palm, then braces herself slightly as she unleashes a larger surge of magic for several hits.

*[[Pikachu]], [[Pichu]], and [[Isabelle]] all have incredibly fast jabs that hit once and, from ''[[Brawl]]'' onwards, are consecutive. Each one is easily capable of chaining into itself, especially at low damage percentages. This may lead to the false conception that they are rapid jabs. [[Villager]]'s jab in [[SSB4]] also had this effect, but it was changed to a true rapid jab in Ultimate.

*[[Meta Knight]] is the only character with a one-stage rapid jab. Even pressing the attack button once causes him to commit to at least one full cycle of the attack, leading an in-game [[tip]] to humorously state that Meta Knight "doesn't do 'standard attacks'." In ''Brawl'', it is also one of only two jabs in the series to hit all around the character instead of just in front of them.

*[[Olimar]]'s jab in ''Brawl'' consists of two headbutts that deal direct [[damage]] and [[knockback]]; however, the resultant flicks from his antenna have their own hitboxes which strike for extra damage, but deal no knockback. This makes it the only jab in the series to have a damaging hitbox which does not make opponents flinch.

*[[Ike]]'s jab in ''Brawl'' was notable for being used for combos due canceling the third jab and only using the first and second jab. This allowed for easy damage multipliers and combos. The attack also had a powerful knockback at high percent which will KO characters around 170%.

*[[Mega Man]]'s neutral attack is the only one that is a [[projectile]]. It also flows freely with his near-identical forward tilt and neutral aerial, effectively allowing Mega Man to fire his Mega Buster while walking and jumping without interruption.

*The first hit of [[Wii Fit Trainer]]'s jab combines a spear hand with a back kick for an attack that hits on both sides of their body, being one of only two jabs to do so alongside Meta Knight's in ''Brawl''. Also unique to Wii Fit Trainer's jab is that the third hit, when sweet spotted at the foot, can [[bury]] opponents. It is the only jab capable of burying or inflicting any movement-inhibiting effect for that matter.

*Both [[Robin]]'s standard jab ender and rapid jab involve the use of tomes, and thereby have the unique ability both to affect their special moves and be affected by them. [[Arcfire]] and Robin's standard jab ender draw from the same durability meter, as do [[Elwind]] and their rapid jab. The longer the rapid jab is held, the more durability will be sapped from Elwind. If one or both of these tomes is broken, the relevant jab ender(s) cannot be used until it respawns.

*[[Ryu]] has two different attacks which can be achieved through a jab input; in ''Ultimate'', he and his new echo fighter [[Ken]] each have three. For both characters, quickly pressing the attack button instead of holding it results in a three-stage jab. However, the second and third stages of this jab can only be accessed upon a successful hit. Otherwise, repeatedly tapping the button will simply cause the first hit to be used repeatedly, in a modified form of consecutiveness. Both of these properties are unique to Ryu and Ken. Holding the button results in a different attack altogether, which is not a natural combo. In ''Ultimate'', Ryu and Ken are also the only fighters to have proximity normals, of which their jabs are an example. Holding the attack button while close to opponents results in them performing an attack similar to their held [[up tilt]], but with virtually no knockback.

*[[Inkling]]'s rapid jab covers opponents in [[ink]]. If Inkling runs out of ink, the rapid jab can still be used, but it will possess no hitboxes.

*If the attack button is held instead of pressed during [[Simon]] and [[Richter]]'s jab, they will hold the Vampire Killer forwards in front of themselves and remain stationary. Input from the control stick, while the button is being held, will cause them to rotate their whip, loosely flinging a short section of it in the held direction. This can destroy small projectiles, and its weak knockback can be used for unusual [[gimp]]s, but its overall utility is rather limited.

*Particularly in ''[[Smash 4]]'', [[Villager]]'s jab functions quite unlike any other in the series. It is a two-hit [[natural combo]] whose second hit can be canceled back into the first hit, allowing for an endless volley of repeating punches. It is also a consecutive jab that uniquely repeats both hits instead of just the first one. Both of these factors may lead players to the conclusion that it is a rapid jab, but this is inaccurate, as it lacks a finishing hit. Its nature as a repeating and consecutive natural combo also means the time between hits can be shortened by rapidly pressing the attack button instead of holding it, which cannot be done for any true rapid jab. In ''[[Ultimate]]'', a true rapid jab was added as a third stage of the natural combo, giving it a proper final hit, but its unique two-hit consecutiveness remains.

*In all games, there is only one character with a four-stage neutral attack: [[Captain Falcon]] prior to ''Smash 4'', and [[Bayonetta]] from ''Smash 4'' onwards. Both are unique in other ways, as well.

**Particularly in ''[[Melee]]'', the third hit of Captain Falcon's neutral attack – a knee strike – is quick, safe, highly damaging, and overall an excellent way to end close-range strings. However, on the NTSC version of the game, it is notoriously difficult to trigger this attack without also using the notoriously slow and ineffective rapid jab that follows it. Because of the difficulty in utilizing this attack, combined with its importance in Captain Falcon's moveset, this portion of the attack became well-known enough to garner its own nickname, the [[Gentleman]].

**Bayonetta's rapid jab is the only one in the series that cannot be held indefinitely. After being held for sufficiently long, even if it isn't hitting anything, the rapid jab's final hit will come out with no input from the player, and the attack will end.