Jab grab
The jab grab (abbreviated "JG") is a character-specific technique performable by Pikachu, Mario, and Fox 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, and is easier to perform with Mario and Pikachu than Fox. This is because performing the technique with Fox requires the grab to be inputted slightly faster. Unlike with Mario and Pikachu, performing the jab grab with Fox doesn't give any indication that the jab was performed just before, though if the grab was performed first, pressing A (for the jab) would cause a forward throw, which isn't the case when a successful jab grab is done.
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.
- Captain Falcon has 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 in Falcon dittos, and against Donkey Kong, Link, and Yoshi, for reasons mentioned above, though it is impossible for 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 somewhat slow jabs, moreso Samus. This is commonly noted as one of the other main reasons Yoshi is at the top of low tier and Samus is at the bottom of the tier list.
