Button mashing

Button mashing is the act of quickly and randomly pressing various controller inputs in the hope that one's character react favorably. It is a tactic often used by new players who are unfamiliar with the mechanics of the game, and perhaps as a crude means for chains and combos. Due mainly to the large play area and ample defenses, success in the Super Smash Bros. series is not particularly conducive with this method, as many other games in the fighting genre may be.

Button mashing does have some specific uses. For example, rapidly pressing buttons allows characters to escape situations like being stunned, grabbed, or frozen more quickly.

Button mashing can also refer to repeatedly pushing the same input (or spamming), such as mashing the special button when firing Fox's Blaster. Spamming can prolong many attacks, and may also be used to increase the frequency, range, duration, etc., of others. When precise timing is not required, mashing is often the fastest and most reliable way to go. Less advanced players may choose to mash with techniques like dodging in order to increase their chances of success. The buffer system in Brawl makes this kind of button-mashing more useful as it allows automatic frame perfection.