Neutral attack

Kirby's neutral attack in Super Smash Bros. 4.

Fox's jab transitioning into its new "finishing move".

A neutral attack (officially standard attack or weak attack, also known as a jab, neutral A, neutral combo or AAA) is an attack performed by pressing the attack button, the A button by default, while one's character is standing, and the control stick or d-pad is in a neutral position. A neutral attack can also be performed by crouching and tilting the Control Stick diagonally downwards in the opposite direction the character is facing, as well as by pressing the grab button right after returning to the standing animation after crouching. Jabs are typically fast, short-ranged, weak hits that are useful for starting combos, or breaking opponents' shields. Many jabs, such as Mario's, form natural "neutral" combos of two or three hits, the final hit usually inflicting the most damage and knockback, while others, such as Fox's, initiate rapid, continuous, multi-hit attacks that opponents must often DI out of. As of Super Smash Bros. 4, said rapid jabs (also known as a "neutral infinite") end with a powerful hit instead of simply cutting off once the player stops pressing the button, which makes them safer to use at the expense of now having slightly higher ending lag.

The speed at which each hit in the sequence of a neutral combo is executed can be controlled through the timing of a player's button taps. In Melee and Brawl, neutral combos may be interrupted by crouching or shielding, in order to restart them, or to perform other moves quickly after canceling them.

Despite their intended use, most neutral attacks have a long duration and moderate ending lag, making them very punishable if whiffed. The hits can also be smash DI'ed out of, have poor range, and most are inferior to other ground attacks a character may have, such as forward tilts and down tilts. Prior to SSB4, rapid jabs in particular have disproportionately high ending lag to their non-existent knockback, can be easily punished, and cannot be ended easily, because tapping the attack button to perform something else only extends the time the rapid jab is held.

In Super Smash Bros.

In the original Super Smash Bros, standard attacks consisting of consecutive hits, which form neutral combos, are executed by tapping A the appropriate number of times. Characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player repeatedly taps A once the rapid jab is initiated.

Character	Neutral combo	Rapid jab	Description
Captain Falcon	3 hits	launches after 3rd hit	Does a fast hit 2%-3%, and then another fast hit for 3%-4%, and then the "Gentleman" hit (2%-4%). It then leads to a series of punches that deal 1% damage each.
Donkey Kong	2 hits		Does a fast jab (2%-4%), followed by a uppercut (2%-4%)
Fox	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Does two fast jabs (4% each), followed by a series of rapid kicks (1% each). Series is continuous if the A button is pushed rapidly.
Jigglypuff	2 hits		Does two jabs. The first hit does 3% while the second hit does 4%-7%.
Kirby	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Does two jabs similar to how Jigglypuff does them (First does 3% and second does 4%). This then follows with weak, long ranged punches that do 1% each.
Link	3 hits	launches optionally after 2nd hit	Does two sword swipes (first hit does 4%-5% and second does 3%), followed by a stab that does 4%. The third hit can be replaced by a series of rapid jabs that do 1% each if he is close to his opponents.
Luigi	3 hits		Does a jab (2%), a punch (2%-4%), and a kick (4%-8%). A natural combo.
Mario	3 hits		Does a jab (2%), a punch (2%-4%), and a kick (4%-8%). This was directly taken from Super Mario 64. Is capable of doing a jab grab.
Ness	3 hits		Does two punches and a side kick. First hit does 2%, second does 2%-4%, third does 4%-8%. Is capable of doing a jab grab.
Pikachu	1 hit		Headbutts forward itself for 2%. Can also do a jab grab.
Samus	2 hits		Does a jab for 3%, and then swings her arm cannon downwards for 7%.
Yoshi	2 hits		Double kicks, first hit does 3% and second does 5%-8%.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee

Similarly to the original Smash Bros, in Melee, standard attacks that form neutral combos are executed by tapping A the appropriate number of times, and characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player repeatedly taps A once the rapid jab is initiated. Many CPUs use this attack often.

Character	Neutral combo	Rapid jab	Description
Bowser	2 hits		Scratches with his left claw, and then his right claw. 8%-11% damage when both hits connect. Noticeable KO potential at higher percentages.
Captain Falcon	3 hits	launches after 3rd hit	Jabs twice, then knees opponent, followed by several fast jabs. First two jabs do around 2-3% each, the "gentlemen" kneeing does 8%, and each jab after does 1% each. A fast and somewhat short-ranged jab-attack, this move is good for disrupting an enemy's approach.
Dr. Mario	3 hits		Does a weak punch forward, followed by a second weak punch before a stronger kick forward. Damage in respective order: 3-4%, 2-4%, 5-6%
Donkey Kong	2 hits		A jab then an uppercut. 4%, then 6% damage.
Falco	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Two quick jabs, both doing 4% damage each, which can easily jab cancel into each other, and then a series of fast kicks. Each kick does 1% damage. His second jab makes him move forward slightly.
Fox	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Jabs forwards with his paw, followed by a short series of fast kicks. A versatile jab that can combo into several other attacks, including up smash (similar to in Smash 64). Very useful against shields, to jab reset, and into shine cancels. More useful against lightweights than heavyweights (such as Jigglypuff). The second jabs makes Fox move forward a bit. 2-4% damage on the first jab, 4% damage on the second jab, and 1% damage on the kicks.
Ganondorf	1 hit		A quick jab that will do 7% damage. Has actual KO potential at higher %s. Since he jabs directly in front of him, some smaller characters can easily duck under it. Ganondorf's fastest attack, it is often use in combos with his other attacks, especially his down aerial.
Ice Climbers	2 hits		Two hammer swings in front. 1-2% first hit (usually adds up to 3%), then both Climbers do 4% on the next hit, for a total of 11% damage.
Jigglypuff	2 hits		Two fast jabs. The first hit does 2-3%, the second does 3-5%. The first hit, though low in range, has good enough hitstun to be jab cancelled into a grab, into a tilt, or into itself. The second hit is good for spacing.
Kirby	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Jabs forwards with his hand, followed by a short series of fast punches. Each punch does around 1%-2%.
Link	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	His combo from Smash 64. It can consist of two types of attacks; one is done by tapping A three times, which makes Link do two slashes and one stab, while tapping A constantly makes him follow this with a flurry of even faster sword stabs. First hit does 4-5%, second 2-3%, then 6%, followed by 1% per strike.
Luigi	3 hits		A three-hit attack consisting of two jabs followed by a hip bump. Useful as a low-damage opener. Because the third strike of the combo knocks the opponent away with a medium amount of lag, many players elect to omit the third strike of the combo. Luigi can repeat the first strike of the neutral attack by jab cancelling. The attack consists of two jabs, both doing 1-3% damage, and the last hit does 2-5%.
Mario	3 hits		Does a weak punch forward, followed by a second weak punch before a stronger kick forward. This entire combo was in Super Mario 64. 2-3%, 1-2%, 4-5% damage respectively.
Marth	2 hits		Swings upward, back and forth, with the first hit resembling his up tilt. Useful for both offensive and defensive spacing, especially when used with wavedashing, due to the move's non-commital nature with regards to movement. Due to its speed and disjoint and relative power for a jab, the move is also highly useful for edgeguarding linear reoveries. The second jab, while not as useful as the first jab, the fact that one can chain the 2 jab hits continuously can be used to cover many unorthodox recovery options (such as the shortened Fox Illusion or Falco Phantasm). The jabs deal 4% (base) or 6% (tip) each.
Mewtwo	1 hit	launches after 1st hit	6%, then 2% or 1% randomly. Mewtwo reaches its arm out, blasting out a bit of shadow energy. The blasts are somewhat awkward to combo with.
Mr. Game & Watch	1 hit	launches on 1st hit	Greenhouse - pulls out an insecticide pump and presses on it, shooting a puff of insecticide out. If the button is mashed, Mr. Game & Watch will fire the insecticide quickly. Does 1-3% per hit.
Ness	3 hits		Punches forward, hooking the opponent. Deals 3%. If pressed twice more, Ness will punch forward, then kick. 2% punch, 4% kick.
Peach	2 hits		Slaps the opponent twice, though the first hit is usually used to start combos. 1-3% first hit, 1-2% second hit.
Pichu	1 hit	launches on 1st hit	Jabs its head forward, can chain into itself. Quite fast, can infinite against some characters on walls. 1-2% per jab.
Pikachu	1 hit	launches on 1st hit	An extremely quick headbutt. Does very minimal damage (1-2%), and has a short range. This attack can be canceled into itself with two frames between possible inputs, so it can be mashed for a quick series of headbutts.
Roy	1 hit		Similar to Marth's, he slashes in front of him. Roy, however, only slashes once, and at a slower rate than Marth. 5-6%.
Samus	2 hits		A jab followed by her bringing her cannon-arm down in an axe-like way. Jab does 2-3% damage, next hit does 7% damage.
Sheik	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Two swipes that do 3-4%, followed by a fast series of punches doing 1% each.
Yoshi	2 hits		A very fast short-ranged kick that will do 2-3% damage, followed by a more powerful kick that does 4-6% damage.
Young Link	2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Same as Link's; two slashes and a stab, followed by a barrage of stabs. In respective order of damage: 2-3%, 2%, 4-5%, and 1% per consecutive hit.
Zelda	1 hit		Zaps magic quickly from her palm, in a similar fashion to Ganondorf's neutral attack. Has transcendent priority. The three hits add up to 5% damage.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In Brawl, holding the A button has several uses when performing neutral attacks. Standard attacks consisting of consecutive hits that form neutral combos may be executed either by tapping A the appropriate number of times, or by holding A when one of the attacks connects with an opponent. Characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player holds A once the rapid jab is initiated, however, tapping A repeatedly also works. Additionally, if A is held without attacking an opponent, some characters are able to repeat the first hit of their jab continuously until it does connect, after which their neutral combo will follow, a technique called consecutive jabbing. It should be noted that different characters' consecutive jabs repeat at different paces, with Fox and Snake possessing very fast consecutive jabs, and Ike and Sonic very slow ones.

Character	Consecutive jab	Neutral combo	Rapid jab	Description
Bowser		2 hits		Delivers two swipes with his claws. Relatively safe move, as the arm Bowser is swiping with is intangible while the hitboxes are out. 5%, then 5%.
Captain Falcon		3 hits	launches after 3rd hit	Punches twice, followed by a knee, then a series of rapid punches. A good jab canceling move, the first hits can lead into a grab. Extremely fast, this is Captain Falcon's fastest attack, start-up lag wise, though it deals poor shield stun. 4%, 4%, 5%, and 1%.
Charizard		3 hits		A right hand slash, a left hand slash, and a slash with the right wing. 3%, 4%, and 6%.
Diddy Kong		3 hits	launches after 3rd hit	Slaps twice, turns around and kicks with his foot, and flicks his tail rapidly. 3%, 2%, and 2%, and the tail attack delivers 2% normally and 1% at the tip.
Donkey Kong		2 hits		Delivers a cross punch, then an uppercut. Certain hitboxes can jab lock. 4% and 6%.
Falco		2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Delivers two arm slashes, then spins around rapidly with his arms extended. 4%, 2%, and 1%.
Fox		1 hit	launches after a right hook	Left jab, then a 2-part attack that consists of a right hook, then a flurry of kicks, or the Rapid Kick. However, the jab combo doesn't link very well unlike Falco's combo. The first hit can be canceled into various other attacks. 2%, 2%, then 1-2% per kick.
Ganondorf		1 hit		Quick palm strike. Moderate knockback, deals more damage if the tip of the attack connects. Very slow for a jab, but it is Ganondorf's quickest ground attack. This attack is good to use out of a perfect shield. Does 7%, 9% if tipped and 5% if hit from very close.
Ice Climbers		2 hits		Swing their hammers in front of themselves. Leader, first hit 3%, second hit 4%. Partner, 2% both hits. Total, 2%-11%.
Ike		3 hits		Punches with his left hand, then moves into a step-forward kick, then an overhead swing of his sword. This move notably makes Ike the only sword fighter to use a fist in one of his moves. The move can be jab canceled into itself to rack up damage, or a move such as an up tilt. Does 16% total but usually deals about 20% or even 25% when jab canceled.
Ivysaur		2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Whips a vine, then another, then extends the range for repeated vine slaps. Normally, 3% first hit, 2% second hit, then 2% alternating with 1% for each hit. Tired, 2% first hit, 1% second hit, then 1% for each hit.
Jigglypuff		2 hits		Two very quick, yet extremely short ranged slaps. Both slaps do 3% damage.
King Dedede		2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	A three-part attack: first is a horizontal swipe, then a vertical swipe, and finally a repeating, indefinite hammer spin in the fashion of a drill. Can deal a large amount of damage, but the spinning part is easily DI'd out of. If the "Attack" button is held during the spinning part, the spin can be held indefinitely. Though its reach is good for a jab, it is arguably one of the worst jabs in the game as it has slow start-up (it is the neutral attack with the slowest startup), as well as being rather slow to the second and third hit. Does 6% for the first hit, 5% for the second hit, and 1% to 2% for each hit in the "drill" portion.
Kirby		2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Vulcan Jab - Two punches, followed by a rapid flurry of punches that release shock waves. Similar to Vulcan Jab from his Fighter Ability. This, like many of Kirby's other attacks are based off of copy abilities. Can rack up a lot of damage if used properly, but has high ending lag and can be punished should the opponent SDI out of it. Does (2%, 3%, 1%, 1%, 1%...).
Link		3 hits		Swipes his sword across his body, second swipe goes outwards and the third hit is a stab forward. Loosely based on Link's final blow to Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The first hit can jab lock, the second has lots of hitstun, allowing it to combo into many other moves. The first two hits can jab cancel into his grab, up special, down smash or even to itself again if the opponent doesn't SDI out of it. 4%, 3%, then 5%.
Lucario		3 hits		Waves its hand forward, does a palm thrust, and then kicks high. Each hit has blue aura accompanying it and moves Lucario a fair bit forward. The first hit can combine with other attacks well, especially grabs. By using the first strike, Lucario can initiate a Force Palm grab, standard grab or tilt to start a combo. Initial damage: First hit does 3%, second hit is 2% and the third hit is 5%. At its maximum potential this combo delivers moderate to high knockback.
Lucas		3 hits		Kicks with his right leg twice, then does a spinkick with his left. Very fast, as the hitbox comes out on the second frame. Three hits doing 3%, 3%, then 4% for a max of 10%. All hits have surprising disjointed reach.
Luigi		3 hits		Punches twice with opposing hands and then turns, thrusting his buttocks out. The first hit is extremely quick. Can jab lock by jab canceling and can also be followed up by a Fire Jump Punch. 3%, 2%, 5%.
Mario		3 hits		Jabs with his right, then his left, and then kicks with his right foot. All are from Super Mario 64. Beneficial in making combos. First hit can jab lock, second can jab cancel into a forward tilt or down smash. 3%, 2%, 4%.
Marth		2 hits		Swings upward, back and forth. Can be chained continuously. First two can be chained more quickly if well timed. Can jab lock. The first hit has a similar animation to his up tilt, but visually, it has less range. 4% base, 6% tip.
Meta Knight*			launches immediately	When held, Meta Knight yells and executes a lightning-fast series of slashes that can also hit enemies behind him. Can set-up a d-smash if buffered correctly. 10% maximum.
Mr. Game & Watch		1 hit	launches after 2nd hit	Greenhouse: Mr. Game & Watch rapidly presses an insecticide pump. Good spamming move and hard to get out of. Low ending lag, this can lead into a grab or tilt. 3% for the first hit, 1% for each subsequent hit.
Ness		3 hits		Jabs twice and kicks. Can jab lock. First hit does 3%, second hit 2% and third hit inflicts 4%.
Olimar		2 hits		Headbutts twice, but hits three times. The antenna on his head deals slight damage, but not knockback. 15% damage (the last 10% is on the final hit, which connects with opponents in front of, above and behind Olimar, in that order).
Peach		2 hits		Peach slaps the enemy twice. Similar to a move in Super Mario RPG. Excellent panic move and grab setup due to its speed (comes out in just two frames). The first slap has set knockback. Interestingly, her second slap is also her most ranged normal move. Both slaps deal 3%.
Pikachu		1 hit	launches on 1st hit	Quick headbutt. Can be held, or just pressed. It may also cause tripping and it has a disjointed, invisible hitbox like Snake's forward tilt and up tilt. Best used against an opponent when they are next to a wall to rack up very high damage. It can also damage stage elements (such as the statues in Castle Siege) rapidly to refresh Stale-move negation. Pikachu´s fastest move. 2% damage each hit.
Pit**		2 or 3 hits	can launch after 2nd hit	Slashes three times, spins the blades together back and forth, hitting repeatedly. Interestingly, Pit cannot enter his rapid fire attack by simply holding the attack button, he will only do a three hit combo. However, once he has entered the rapid fire attack, it is necessary only to continue holding the attack button to continue it. This means Pit essentially has two different combos depending if the button is tapped or held initially. 11% damage rapid attack: 1% per hit.
R.O.B.		2 hits		Does a quick swing with each arm. Two hits; the first one deals 3% damage and deals slight upward knockback, with almost no KO potential. The second one also deals 3%, but has much more power and horizontal knockback. Total, 6%.
Samus		2 hits		Punches and attacks with Arm Cannon in an arc. Good on short-hopping opponents close-up, otherwise the second hit can be easily shielded or shield grabbed. Does 3%, then 7%, with a total of 10%.
Sheik		2 hits	launches after 2nd hit	Sweeps her right hand left then right, then repeatedly jabs with her arm straight and with her fingers sticking out. First two hits, 3%. Jabs, 2% each, 1% if hit with the tip of her fingers.
Snake		3 hits		Punch, Punch, Spinkick. A natural combo. The final kick has high knockback, and KOs at high percentages, but can be powershielded depending on the character, even if the combo is done as fast as possible. This is the attack combo from Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid games. First jab can also be jab canceled into a f-tilt or grab. The farther hitbox of the first jab can also jab lock, easiest to set-up after knocking an opponent shielding an up tilt or full hop neutral aerial off a platform above Snake in stages like Battlefield. Does 14% if all three hit connect and is one of the only neutral attacks in the game capable of KOing before 150% (the other one being Ike's).
Sonic		3 hits		A left-handed punch, then a right-handed punch, then finally a side kick with the left leg. Can jab lock the first and second punch. No lag, but extremely poor range. Does 7% damage total.
Squirtle		3 hits		Punches once, then jumps forward and slaps with the tail, then flips forward and hits with the tail again. A one frame jab. The second hit can trip opponents sometimes, or simply lead into a grab. Does 3%, 2%, 4%, for a total of 9% damage.
Toon Link		3 hits		Slashes twice then thrusts his sword forward. Fairly quick. The first and second hits have very little knockback. The third hit, though it has actual "knockback", has little KO potential. Primarily used as a way to create space against close-up opponents. Does 3%, 2%, 5%.
Wario		2 hits		Left hook, then right hook. Decent knockback. Slow for a jab, but still good. Has decent range and a slight disjoint. 1st jab can even set up a forward smash. Wario walks forward slightly when this move is used consecutively. The move is similar to his punches in his boss stage in WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$ and how he holds up a GBA card in the multiplayer minigame, Card e-Cards. First hit does 6% (fist) or 5% (body), second does 6%.
Wolf		3 hits		A natural combo of three hits; Wolf slashes with one arm, then the other, and bites on the third hit, delivering knockback. The first hit moves Wolf no distance and is a consecutive jab - it will repeat itself continuously if the attack button is held down. The second hit moves Wolf forward a very short distance, and the first and second hits may be jab canceled and immediately followed by a second jab, a grab or another attack. The third hit moves Wolf forward an even greater distance than the second, and has above average knockback and hitstun for a neutral attack, but cannot reliably KO. All three hits have substantially large hitboxes, and the second and third are often guaranteed if the first hit connects. The knockback delivered by the third hit is useful for pushing opponents to a safe distance without the risk of punishment, and it can catch opponents off guard if deliberately delayed. However, Wolf's jab is still susceptible to shield grabbing, and must be used with caution in the face of opponents with a dangerous grab game. Neutral combo can be followed up with fair, RAR back aerial, DACUS and f-smash at low to mid percentages, and a short hopped Blaster at higher percentages. The three hits deal 3%, 2% and 4% consecutively for a total of 9%.
Yoshi		2 hits		Left kick, then right kick. Quick speed and decent damage (the second kick will clank with 14%-damage attacks, such as most tilts) make it a solid "panic" move. 3% then 6%.
Zelda		1 hit		Extends one arm. A circular magical spark appears at the end of it, hitting up to three times. Disjointed with decent range. Hits 1-2 deal 2%, third hit deals 2%.
Zero Suit Samus		3 hits		Palm strike, pistol whip, hip thrust. One of the fastest moves in the game. The third hit is easy to powershield, although the jab is inescapable in aerial opponents. Hits for 2%, 2%, 3%, respectively, for a total of 7% damage.

*Meta Knight's neutral attack is unique, as it is the only jab that functions as a rapid attack, but cannot function as a single hit attack. When A is pressed, a rapid attack is immediately launched and may be continued indefinitely. However, even if A is not held, Meta Knight will slash several times before the move ends.

**Pit's neutral attack can function as either a three hit combo, or a two hit combo that launches into a rapid attack, depending on the player's input. If A is held during the second hit, Pit performs the three hit combo, but if A is pressed three times, the rapid attack initiates and continues for as long as A is held afterwards. Pit is the only character who possesses two different types of jabs.

In Super Smash Bros. 4

New to Super Smash Bros. 4, all rapid jabs now end with a stronger finishing hit that launches the opponent away from them after enough time in the jab. These finishers have slightly longer range than rapid jabs, allowing the attacker to safely end the move and knock away opponents if they escape. The attacker will also be gradually pushed backwards as they land more hits. All this serves a dual purpose, to both remove infinite combos and give jabbing fighters the ability to knock their opponent away when they are done with them. Additionally, rapid jabs themselves seem to have been sped up.

Character	Consecutive jab	Neutral combo	Rapid jab	Description
Bayonetta		3 hits	Launches after 3rd hit if the player repeatedly taps attack	Performs a three-hit combo, then attacks with a barrage of punches-however, unlike other rapid jabs, this can't be held indefinitely-and then ending with a haymaker. Based off of the standard punch combo in Bayonetta. Fairly slow at 9 frames, but deals high damage for a rapid jab, at around 19% total. 1.5% (hits 1 & 2) 2% (hit 3) .5% (rapid jab hit) 6% (finisher)
Bowser		2 hits		Throws up to two punches straight forward at decent range, making it effective for fending off aggressive opponents. The second hit deals good knockback, enough to KO at 150% near the ledge. 5% (first hit) 6% (second hit)
Bowser Jr.		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Robotic arms with boxing gloves attached pop out on each side of the clown car to jab at the opponent. The finisher can KO at high percentages. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 2% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Captain Falcon		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Punches with the left hand, then the right. If not a rapid jab, finishes with the Gentleman, else proceeds into a series of rapid punches with the right arm, then finishes with the left. 2% (1st and 2nd hits) 5% (3rd hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Cloud		3 hits		Kicks with his left and right legs before finishing the combo with an outward slash with his right arm. Cloud's overall fastest attack, but surprisingly punishable if shielded. The last hit will semi-spike. 2.5% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 3.5% (3rd hit)
Corrin		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Stabs with his transformed free arm before swinging the Omega Yato up and down. If tapped twice before the last hit, he transforms his free arm into a draconic mouth and repeatedly "bites" at his target before finishing off the combo with a single, powerful "bite".
Charizard		3 hits		Claw swipes with one arm, then the other, and finishes with the wing on the same side as the first swipe. 3% (1st hit) 4% (2nd hit) 5% (3rd hit)
Dark Pit		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Identical to Pit's in every way.
Diddy Kong		3 hits	Launches automatically after 3rd hit	Swipes with the right arm, then the left, then kicks with the right foot, transitioning into a tail whip jab attack that finishes with the tail flinging upward to knock the opponent back. 2% (1st and 3rd hit) 1% (2nd hit) roughly 0.5% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Donkey Kong		2 hits		Delivers a swiping punch with the left hand, then an uppercut with the right hand. Good for fending off aggressive attackers. 4% (1st hit) 6% (2nd hit)
Dr. Mario		3 hits		Identical to Mario's, albeit slightly different damage output and slower, as well as being more effective for jab canceling. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 4% (3rd hit)
Duck Hunt		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Swipes with one paw, then does a headbutt. If not a rapid jab, finishes by turning and kicking with both hind legs, else turns and has the duck peck repeatedly, then finishes with a much harder peck that has good knockback. 2% (1st hit) 3% (2nd hit) 4% (3rd hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Falco		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Swipes down with the left arm, then swipes back up again. Rapid jab causes Falco to spin rapidly clockwise tilted toward his opponent, finishing with one more strong swipe from the left arm. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) roughly 0.5% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Fox		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Jabs with the right arm, then the left. Rapid jab causes Fox to start rapidly kicking his opponent with the right leg, finishing with one last good kick. Excellent at jab canceling, even leading to guaranteed KO followups with an up smash with some characters. Somewhat unreliable at low percents as the opponent is usually pushed away just far enough to powershield the finisher. 2% (1st hit) 1% (2nd hit) roughly 0.5% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Ganondorf		1 hit		Delivers one strong electrifying jab with his right hand. Has good knockback and is useful for fending off aggressive attackers. 10% (sweetspot) 8% (body) 6% (sourspot)
Greninja		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Jabs with one arm, then the other. If not a rapid jab, finishes with a quick burst of water, else proceeds into a series of smaller water slashes, finishing with a swipe augmented by a water burst. 2% (1st hit) 1% (2nd hit) 3% (3rd hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Ike		3 hits		Punches with his fist, then kicks with his right leg, then swings Ragnell downward with decent knockback. A reliable move since it is faster than anything else in Ike's moveset. 3% (1st and 2nd hits) 5% (3rd hit)
Jigglypuff		2 hits		Punches with one fist, then the other. Not the best attack for Jigglypuff to use in any instance, but can be used as a pseudo jab-cancel into other attacks, particularly Pound. 3% (1st and 2nd hits)
King Dedede		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Swipes inward with the hammer, then outward. Rapid jab causes King Dedede to spin his hammer in front of him, trapping his opponent, then finishing with an upward swipe that can KO at high percentages. This is one of the few jabs whose finisher is a decent vertical KO move. 4% (1st and 2nd hits) 1% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Kirby		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Punches with one arm, then the other. Rapid jab causes Kirby to deliver a rapid series of punches (Vulcan Jab) to his opponent, then finishing with a downward strike (Smash Punch) that can KO at high percentages near a ledge. Very quick start-up can be effective to prevent opponents from grabbing. 2% (1st hit) 3% (2nd hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Link		3 hits		Swipes right with his sword, then left, then finishes with a thrust. Effective deterrent against aggressive attackers, and also deals decent shield damage. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 5% (3rd hit)
Little Mac		3 hits	Launches automatically if player rapidly taps attack button near an opponent	Jabs with the left arm, then the right, then uppercuts with the left arm. Rapid jab causes Little Mac to deliver a series of rapid jabs to his opponent (appropriately) then finishes with a powerful uppercut that can KO at high percentages. 2% (1st and 2nd hit) 7% (3rd hit) roughly 1% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Lucario		3 hits		Swipes downward with the left hand, than jabs with the right, then finishes with a kick from the right leg. Damage and knockback increase as Lucario takes damage. 2% (1st hit, min) 4% (1st hit, max) 1% (2nd hit, min) 3% (2nd hit, max) 2% (3rd hit, min) 5% (3rd hit, max)
Lucas		3 hits		Kicks with his right leg twice, then does a spinkick with his left. All hits are very fast and have surprising disjointed reach. 2.5% (1st hit), 2% (2nd hit), 4% (3rd hit)
Lucina		2 hits		Same as Marth's. except damage and knockback are the same at all points. 4% (Both hits, sometimes 5%)
Luigi		3 hits		Punches with one hand, then the other, then flings his rear end forward for a third hit. Decent knockback at all percentages on 3rd hit. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 5% (3rd hit)
Mario		3 hits		Punches with one hand, then the other, then kicks with the leg on the side of the second punch. Consistently low knockback, making it good for starting combos. 2% (1st and 2nd hits) 4% (3rd hit)
Marth		2 hits		Slices upward twice with the Falchion, pushing his opponent back. Deals greater knockback if hit with the tip. Good for jab canceling. 6% (Both hits, tip) 4% (Both hits, center)
Mega Man		up to 3 hits		Fires shots from his Mega Buster, complete with the classic firing sound. Hiting with the Buster itself causes a little extra damage and negligable knockback, not KOing even at 999%. Can shoot up to 3 shots at a time if player repeatedly taps attack. Excellent reach makes it difficult for opponents to approach, allowing Mega Man to efficiently space them. 2% (Each shot) 3% (if done at melee range)
Meta Knight		Rapid jab only	Launches automatically	Rapidly swings the Galaxia in front of him in many directions, finishing with a strong upwards swipe. Fast start-up, but is easily punished if the jab misses its mark. 1.2% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Mewtwo		3 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Slaps, summons a small darkness field in front of it, then swipes across. 4% first hit, 1% per rapid hit (up to 5% per cycle), 2% launching hit. Attack button cannot be held until rapid jab starts.
Mii Brawler		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Jabs with one arm, than the other. Rapid jab delivers a flurry of punches which finish off with a strong kick. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) roughly 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)*
Mii Gunner		3 hits		Swipes the cannon inward, then outward, then finishes by thrusting it forward and releasing a small explosion. 2% (1st and 2nd hits) 5% (3rd hit) 4% (3rd hit, explosion only)*
Mii Swordfighter		3 hits		Does an overhand slash downward, then back up, then switches to an underhand slash. 4% (1st hit) 3% (2nd hit) 5% (3rd hit)*
Mr. Game & Watch		1 hit	Launches after 1st hit if player rapidly taps attack	Pumps an insecticide pump at his opponent. Rapid jab causes him to pump faster, then deliver a strong pump from an upward angle to send the opponent flying. Finisher can KO at high percentages near an edge. 3% (1st hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
Ness		3 hits		Punches with the left arm, then the right, then kicks with the right leg. Like Mario's but faster and dealing less knockback, making it arguably better. 2% (1st and 2nd hits) 4% (3rd hit)
Olimar		2 hits		Delivers two fast punches, with first the left arm, then the right. Olimar does not need or use Pikmin to do this move. 3% (1st hit) 4% (2nd hit)
Pac-Man		3 hits		Punches with one arm, then the other, then does a kick-backflip. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 4% (3rd hit)
Palutena		1 hit	Launches after 1st hit if player rapidly taps attack	Thrusts the head of her staff at hip level. Rapid jab causes the staff to repeatedly pulse, then finish with one more powerful pulse that knocks the opponent back. Finisher is a good KO move at high percentages at an edge. 3% (1st hit) roughly 0.5% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Peach		2 hits		Delivers 2 fast slaps, first with the left hand, then the right. Consistently low knockback. 2% (1st hit) 3% (2nd hit)
Pikachu		1 hit		Headbutts the opponent. Can hit in rapid succession, making it similar to a rapid jab, but with no finisher. Can make the opponents trip. 1% (Each hit, sometimes 2%)
Pit		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Swipes down with the right sword, then horizontally with the left, then up with the right again if not a rapid jab, else recombines his swords into the bow and begins spinning it horizontally around him, hitting the opponent multiple times until finishing with an upward strike from the still combined bow. 2% (1st and 2nd hit) 5% (3rd hit) 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher)
R.O.B.		2 hits		Delivers 2 fast swipes with each arm. Only the second hit deals knockback. 3% (both hits)
Robin		3 hits (2 without Fire tome)	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack and has a Wind tome	Swipes upward with the bronze sword, then back down. If not a rapid jab, finishes with a blast of fire from his Fire tome that can KO at high percentages, but does nothing if no Fire tome is present. If rapid jab, opens the Wind tome and rapidly slashes the opponent with wind magic, finishing off with a stronger wind slash that knocks the opponent upward and can also KO at high percentages. Cannot rapid jab if no Wind tome is available. 3% (1st and 2nd hits) 5% (3rd hit, uses 1 Fire durability) roughly 1% (rapid jab hit) 2% (finisher, uses 1 Wind durability)
Rosalina & Luma		3 hits	Launches after 2nd hit if player repeatedly taps attack	Rosalina waves her arms about as Luma delivers one punch, then another, if not rapid jab, Rosalina waves yet again as Luma delivers a spinning kick, else Luma begins spinning and finishes with a slam, while Rosalina twirls her wand and finishes with one last flick if the wand. Luma deals greater knockback with the 3rd attack, while Rosalina deals greater knockback with her rapid jab finisher. Rosalina: 2% (1st hit) 1% (2nd hit) 3% (3rd hit) 2% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher) Luma: 2% (1st and 2nd hit) 4% (finisher) 1% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Roy		1 hit		Roy slashes his sword upwards in reverse-grip, ending at shoulder height. Easily combos into itself and his forward tilt at low percentages. Can be used to pseudo-chain grab with his down throw at zero to very low percents. 7.5% (sweetspot), ~4.65% (sourspot).
Ryu		1 hit (held), 3 hits (tapped)		Tapped: Ryu does a jab, cross, then a hook. Tapping the button without Ryu hitting anything makes him repeat the first hit as fast as the player can tap, similar to how jabs work in his home series. His weak attack combo is based off his standing light attack, close medium punch and standing hard punch in that order from Street Fighter IV. 2% (1st hit), 5% (2nd hit), 5% (3rd hit) Held: Ryu does a roundhouse kick. Based off his standing heavy kick in Street Fighter II. Deals 10%
Samus		2 hits		Punches with her free hand, then swipes downward with her arm cannon. Both hits do decent knockback, but the 2nd hit is greater. Second hit can be powershielded, as explained by a tip in the loading screen. 3% (1st hit) 8% (2nd hit)
Sheik		2 hits	Can launch after 2nd hit	Swipes horizontally with the left arm, the swipes upward with the right. Rapid jab deals a rapid series of strikes with her left arm, finishing with one last strong strike diagonally upward. 2% (1st hit) 3% (2nd hit) roughly 0.5% (rapid jab hit) 3% (finisher)
Shulk		3 hits		Punches with the left arm, then kicks with the right leg, then finishes with an upward slash from the Monado. Damage and knockback depend on the Monado Art being used. Key - (Normal, Jump, Speed, Shield, Buster, Smash) 4%, 4%, 3%, 2% (sometimes 3%), 5%, 2% (1st hit) 3%, 3%, 3%, 2%, 5%, 2% (2nd hit) 5%, 5%, 5%, 4%, 7%, 2% (3rd hit)
Sonic		3 hits		Punches with one hand, then the other, then kicks with the leg on the side of the first punch. Similar to Mario's. 2% (1st and 2nd hits) 4% (3rd hit)
Toon Link		3 hits		Pretty much like Link's, except faster and with shorter reach, and less shield damage. 3% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 4% (3rd hit)
Villager	(both hits used)	2 hits		Dons a pair of boxing gloves and swings punches back and forth at the opponent. 2nd hit deals more knockback. Good for fending off aggressive opponents. 3% (both hits)
Wario		2 hits		Punches downward with one hand, then uppercuts with the other, sending the opponent upwards. 4% (1st hit) 5% (2nd hit)
Wii Fit Trainer		3 hits		Does a series of poses, (yoga expertise needed) finishing with a move that can bury grounded opponents. 3% (1st and 3rd hits) 2% (2nd hit)
Yoshi		2 hits		Delivers two fast kicks, with first the left leg, then the right. Good reach and quick start up allows it to out-prioritize most enemy attacks, making it arguably one of the best jabs in the game. 3% (1st hit) 4% (2nd hit)
Zelda		1 hit (3 parts)		Extends her left palm and deliver a rapid series of three magical pulses. The last pulse deals some knockback. 3% (per spark) 5% (final spark) 11% (total)
Zero Suit Samus		3 hits		Punches with her left hand, then pistol whips, then hits with the right elbow. Has one of the fastest start-ups in the game, making it good for out-prioritizing opponents. 1% (1st hit) 2% (2nd hit) 3% (3rd hit)

* This assumes the Mii is default height and weight.

Trivia

• During Pit and Dark Pit's rapid jabs, the effect clearly shows the blades going through their chests, and yet they remain unscratched.
• Mega Man's neutral attack is the only one that is a projectile, and therefore can be reflected or pocketed.
• Little Mac cannot use his rapid jabs if the second hit of his neutral combo doesn't hit anything.
• Robin's neutral attacks are the only ones that can have a direct influence on his/her specials (i.e. making them temporarily unavailable) and vice versa.
• Many fighters lack a rapid jab, but Meta Knight is the only fighter whose neutral attack is only a rapid jab.
  • A tip in Super Smash Bros. 4 jokes about this, stating "Meta Knight doesn't do 'standard attacks'".
• Bayonetta's neutral attack is both the only one with the rapid jab coming after a third hit, as well as the one with the strongest finisher, at 6%.

Gallery

• 

  An animation of Mario's neutral attack in Melee

• Neutral A.jpg

  The first hit of Mario's neutral attack in Brawl.

• 

  Wolf's three hit neutral attack in Brawl.

See also

• Jab cancel
• Jab lock