A pummel is the attack useable while an opponent remains trapped in your grab. Any character can pummel by pressing the A or Z button after using a successful grab (made by pressing Z or R+A). Since the character will already holding the other with their arms, most pummels are knee jabs or headbutts. They tend to do around 2-3% of damage. This move also works after using Bowser's Koopa Klaw. Pummeling is primarily used to rack up damage before a throw. The higher an opponent's damage meter, the longer you can pummel them before he or she is able to break free from the grab. Otherwise, an adept fighter may escape before even a single blow is landed.

Peach's pummel action.

Pummeling was first introduced in Melee. It can be performed much more quickly in Brawl.

SSBB Pummeling actions

(Incomplete list)

  • Mario: Hits enemy with head
  • Peach: Slaps enemy
  • Link: hits with sword
  • Zelda: hits enemy with magic power
  • Wario: punches enemy
  • Pikachu: Zaps enemy
  • Marth: Kicks enemy
  • Snake: Snaps enemy's neck
  • Yoshi: Chews the enemy
  • Donkey Kong: Chops enemy with hand
  • Fox: Hits enemy with knee
  • Ness: Headbutts enemy
  • Mr. Game & Watch: Hits enemy with a bell
  • Bowser: Hits enemy with horns
  • Lucario: Hurts enemy with aura