Flipper

Flipper.

The flipper is an item in SSBM that can be thrown, originating from the Balloon Fight game. After it travels a certain distance, it stops in mid-air. When hit, it spins either slowly or quickly (depending on either the speed knockback when contacted, or the strength of the attack), blocking passage and causing light (though generally repeaded) damage when touched. Aside from causing general havoc in a frey, they can also be placed strategically at integral locations, such as ledges or against walls. This will prevent your opponent from recovering, or not allow them to pass through certain points. The downfalls of this item are easy avoidability and relatively short duration on the field.

When used on moving stages (such as Big Blue, Rainbow Cruise, Poké Floats, etc.), the flipper will continue move with the background instead of remaining stationary. This most apparent on Big Blue, where the flipper hangs still for a split-second, then races offscreen as everything else speeds away from it.

In Melee, the flipper seems to have replaced the bumper from the original Super Smash Bros., as their usages and effects are quite similar, and due to the flipper's absence and the bumper's reappearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.