Jab grab

Pikachu performing a jab grab on Captain Falcon. The jab just before the grab can clearly be seen.

The jab grab (abbreviated "JG") is a character-specific technique performable by Pikachu and Mario in Smash 64, done by abusing the shield stun of a jab. It is performed by jabbing, and then using a grab instantly afterwards. The jab cancel must be done fast enough so that when done, the opponent is unable to go out of their shield in time and prevent the grab. Additionally, performing the grab too late will just perform another jab instead. It is a simple form of shield pressure. Interestingly, level 8-9 computer opponents occasionally use this technique as well, especially with Mario. This technique is highly useful in competitive play and it is one of the main reasons why certain characters are considered so much better at pressuring, as not having this technique highly limits shield pressuring.

The technique requires different timings against certain characters due to their varying OoS options:

• This technique has to be inputted with perfect timing against Pikachu, or it will be able to use Quick Attack to escape, due to its invincibility frames.
• Similar to Pikachu, it is also quite hard to do this technique against Samus, as she can use Screw Attack OoS very quickly, though it doesn't have invincibility frames like Quick Attack does.
• It is somewhat hard to perform against Jigglypuff due to the timing having to be more precise, as Jigglypuff has a very large shield, though it is definitely easier than against Samus or Pikachu.
• It is easiest to do against Donkey Kong due to his slow and poor OoS options, followed by Link, Yoshi, and Captain Falcon for similar reasons.

Certain characters cannot perform this technique and must use other setups instead.

• Fox and Captain Falcon have potential to use this technique, as well as the characters who can perform it properly. However, this is not considered true shield pressure - rather, it is a mindgame, as a grab cannot be performed immediately after the jab, meaning the user must read the opponent in order to land the grab. It is a common technique used against Falcon (particularly in Falcon dittos) and Donkey Kong, Link, and Yoshi, for reasons mentioned above, though it is impossible for Fox and Falcon to use the technique against Pikachu and Samus, as explained above.
• The same idea applies to Jigglypuff, Luigi, Kirby, and Ness, but it is much less common due to their slow jabs and movement speed.
• Link has enough shield pressure to easily use this technique, but his grab is too slow.
• DK cannot use this technique due to his jab being so slow (slowest in the game).
• Yoshi and Samus cannot perform this technique efficiently at all as they have incredibly slow grabs and bad jabs. This is commonly noted as one of the other main reasons why Yoshi is at the top of low tier and why Samus is stuck at the bottom of the tier list.