Bowser | Captain Falcon | Donkey Kong | Dr. Mario | Falco Lombardi | Fox McCloud
Ganondorf | Jigglypuff | Ice Climbers | Kirby | Link | Luigi | Mario | Mewtwo
Mr. Game & Watch | Ness | Pichu | Pikachu | Prince Marth | Princess Peach
Princess Zelda/Sheik | Roy | Samus Aran | Yoshi | Young Link
One of the main additions from the original Smash Brothers to Melee would have to be all of the new single player modes. The objective is to smash Sandbag as far as you can within 10 seconds. To do this, there are a few general strategies you should follow. Just like in a standard battle, the more damage you do to Sandbag before you hit it with the bat, the farther it will go. Below you’ll find some of the best methods to inflict as much damage as possible within the 10 seconds, as well as the average distance you should get if the strategy is done correctly (you may be able to hit it further, this is just a reference point). Remember that you can swing the bat up until a split second after the one has disappeared. Even if you don’t hit Sandbag until after the time has expired, as long as you start the swing immediately after the one disappears, your hit will still register. You’ll also find that hitting Sandbag with the very tip of the bat will result in longer hits as well.
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| Average Distance: | 1000 Feet |
| Strategy: | There are two methods to get the longest distance with the king of the Koopas. You can either perform your downward Smash Attack (Down + A), or your upward Smash Attack (Up + A). Your personal skill on the GameCube pad will dictate which method is best for you. Both methods should allow you to inflict at least 70% damage on Sandbag before you use the bat. Each time you attack, charge the Smash Attack as much as possible before the Sandbag drops down to within your reach. Just before time runs out, you should be able to add Bowser’s Fire Breath (Tap B) for extra damage. Try out both Smash Attacks and see which one better suits your style. You may even go with a combination of the two. |
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| Average Distance: | 1150 Feet |
| Strategy: | Falcon is a mixed bag. On one hand he’s a powerful character. However, on the opposite hand, when you use the bat he launches Sandbag straight up into the air giving you no distance. Therefore you have to result to using other methods for your final hit. This greatly reduces the distance you can achieve. So far, the best method for Falcon is to simply use the bat at maximum range. This will limit Falcon to hitting Sandbag with only the first portion of his swing, doing around 30% damage. Repeat this as many times as you can, then once the time is about to expire, press B to perform the Falcon Punch. Captain Falcon does not have to hit Sandbag before time expires, as long as you have already begun the Falcon Punch animation. |
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| Average Distance: | 1600 Feet |
| Strategy: | To reach the average distance with DK, you’ll need precision timing. You’ll need to begin the session by quickly tapping left and A to grab the bat, then in the same motion, tap right and B to perform his Headbutt attack. This will plant Sandbag into the ground. From here, use DK’s Hand Slap attack (Down + B), but make sure you don’t duck before going into the attack. You’ll need to have 45% damage on Sandbag before he jumps into the air. At this point, follow it up and execute DK’s Aerial Foot Stomp (Down + A while in the air). This will knock Sandbag back to the platform. Repeat the Headbutt and Hand Slap a second time. Once again making sure you immediately go into the Hand Slap to get the maximum amount of damage. If everything is done correctly, you should be able to rack up at least 120% damage before you use the bat. Remember to hit Sandbag with the tip of the bat to get the maximum distance. |
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| Average Distance: | 1100 Feet |
| Strategy: | While the good doctor has many powerful attacks, your best bet for getting the maximum distance here is his Cape Counter (Forward + B). You should be able to get in at least nine Cape Counters. Hold forward just before you press B to move yourself slightly close to Sandbag. You have to stay fairly close to Sandbag to deliver the most damage. If done correctly, you should be able to dish out 85% damage before you use the bat. If you’re a skilled player, you can also add in the Spinning Heel Kick (Down + A while in the air) either before or after the Cape Counter attacks. |
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| Average Distance: | 850 Feet |
| Strategy: | Falco’s strategy here will vary depending on your personal abilities. Two methods seems to stick out among his many attacks. Either his upward Smash Attack (Up + A) or his standard upward attack (Hold Up, A). Use either of these, or a combination of the two to deal as much damage as possible to Sandbag. You should be able to get at least 60% damage before you use the bat. Skilled players should also be able to add a laser blast before you swing the bat, but you’ll have to be quick. |
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| Average Distance: | 1050 Feet |
| Strategy: | Out of Fox McCloud’s entire arsenal of attacks, the best one to use for this mode is his weakest. The laser blast (Tap B) will not move Sandbag at all. Therefore, you can shoot it as many times as your finger will allow and it will continue to rack up damage without fear of Sandbag falling off the platform. If you’re fast enough, you’ll be able to deal at least 85% damage before using the bat. Skilled players will also be able to add a jab or two in before you use the blaster to get additional damage. |
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| Average Distance: | 1200 Feet |
| Strategy: | The Legend of Zelda bad guy is a power house in Melee. The easiest way to launch Sandbag is to use your upward Smash Attack (Up + A). You’ll only be able to get two or three complete attacks off because Ganondorf sends Sandbag flying so high, you’ll run out of time if you try more than that. Ganondorf’s upward Smash Attack will hit twice each time you do it. If you don’t time your second Smash Attack correctly, only one of the hits will connect, and you either won’t do as much damage, or Sandbag will fly off the platform. Try to time it so that Sandbag is still in the air when you do the second Smash Attack. For extra distance, you can hit Sandbag one or two times before you use the two Smash Attacks. Try Ganondorf’s standard Hold Forward, A attack to get 12% damage before you begin Smash Attacks. You should be able to rack up at least 80% damage before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 950 Feet |
| Strategy: | The best way to launch Sandbag with Jigglypuff revolves around her Aerial Spin Kick attack (Down + A while in the air). This will help you deal the most damage to Sandbag before time expires. Tap X or Y so that you don’t just very high, then hit down and A to perform the spin attack. Make sure you’re as close to Sandbag as possible. With a low jump, you’ll be able to get the most hits out of the spin attack. You can also add on a variety of moves before you begin using the spin attack to dish out even more damage. A jab will work fine in this case, but you can experiment to find what attack you’re able to pull off fastest. Add this on before you begin the spin attack and you’ll reach maximum range with Jiggypuff. |
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| Average Distance: | 1250 Feet |
| Strategy: | The Ice Climbers best bet at launching Sandbag is to use their standard upward attack (Hold Up, A). This will hit Sandbag multiple times, and send it into the air allowing you to repeat the attack. Start the event off with a normal attack to add additional damage to Sandbag. Hold Forward, A will deal 20% damage if both Ice Climbers connect. From here, run up and use their standard upward attack multiple times. You must time the attacks so that Sandbag is still in the air when you hit. This will give you the most hits out of the attack, and save you some time in the end. If done correctly, Sandbag should have at least 85% damage before you use the bat. Once you’re ready to swing the bat, make sure you’re close enough so that both Ice Climbers connect with an attack. After you use the bat, if both Ice Climbers hit Sandbag, it should have at least 120% damage. |
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| Average Distance: | 1000 Feet |
| Strategy: | Many of Kirby’s attacks will knock Sandbag off the platform. Even his Aerial Spin Kick (Down + A while in the air) will knock Sandbag off the platform on its last hit. However, his new attack, the Hammer Spin (Forward + B while in the air) is just the thing to rack up the damage on Sandbag. You’ll need to grab the bat and immediately jump in and start attacking. Depending on your angle of attack, Sandbag will move in the same direction you’re spinning. Try to position Sandbag so that your last hit leaves it as close to the right edge of the platform as possible. If done properly, using the smallest jump possibly, Kirby should be able to deal at least 80% damage before using the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 800 Feet |
| Strategy: | Link is one of the few characters that has a somewhat limited ability in this event. Most of his attacks send the Sandbag flying off the platform, or won’t connect completely dealing very little damage. Your best bet is to use his Upward Slash (Hold Up, A) as many times as possible. You may have to turn around once or twice to keep Sandbag as close to the front of the platform as possible. If you’re fast enough, you should be able to get around 55% damage. |
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| Average Distance: | 1200 Feet |
| Strategy: | Without the Cape Counter like Mario and Dr. Mario, Luigi must rely on his more basic attacks to send Sandbag flying. Use the 360 Low Kick (Down + A) will deal out nice damage and knock Sandbag into the air. This allows you to follow it up with another 360 Low Kick. This should be your main attack, however you can also add on a dashing attack as soon as you get the bat, and Luigi’s Aerial Kick (A while in the air) in-between consecutive 360 Low Kicks. Combine these three attacks and you should be able to get at least 80% damage on Sandbag before you use your bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1050 Feet |
| Strategy: | Just like Dr. Mario, the original Mario can use the Cape Counter (Forward + B) to inflict a good amount of damage. You should be able to get in at least ten Cape Counters. Hold forward just before you press B to move yourself slightly close to Sandbag. You have to stay fairly close to Sandbag to deliver the most damage. If done correctly, you should be able to dish out around 75% damage before you use the bat. If you’re a skilled player, you can also add in the Spinning Heel Kick (Down + A while in the air) either before or after the Cape Counter attacks. |
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| Average Distance: | 900 Feet |
| Strategy: | Most of Mewtwo’s attacks are too powerful to use in the Home-Run Contest. The best move for this event seems to be his Psychic Flip (Forward + B). Use this attack as fast as you can to rack up around 65% damage before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1050 Feet |
| Strategy: | As odd a character as you many think Mr. Game & Watch is, his Home-Run Contest strategy breaks the mold. The best way to reach the maximum distance with Mr. G&W is to use his Scuba Helmet Smash (Up + A) three times. All three hits will knock Sandbag up and to the right, and the third hit will knock it off the platform. From here, jump after it (off the platform) and follow up with as many Aerial Blow attacks (Up + A while in the air) as you can execute in the remaining time. In order to get the farthest hit, you’ll need to time the Aerial Blow attack so that both hits connect. You also must not let Sandbag hit the ground. If it does, wherever it lands will be your final distance. You’ll need to time your bat swing so that it hits Sandbag in the air as well. If done correctly, you should have inflicted at least 80% damage on Sandbag before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 950 Feet |
| Strategy: | Ness is by far the most unique when it comes to the Home-Run Contest. You’ll have to start the session immediately with a PK Fire (Forward + B). From here you’ll need to pay close attention to Ness. As soon as he retracts his arm, do an Aerial PK Fire (Forward + B while in the air). As soon you land, grab the bat and run back over to Sandbag. You’ll now need to perform a very short jump (lightly tap X or Y) and execute a Downward Kick (Down + A while in the air). Follow up the Downward Kick with an Aerial Headbutt (Up + A while in the air). Then once again do a short jump into a Downward Kick as soon as Sandbag lands, and another Aerial Headbutt. By this time you’ll have very little time left. Time your bat swing so that you begin just as the one begins to disappear. If you’ve done everything correctly, you should have inflicted around 70% damage to Sandbag before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1200 Feet |
| Strategy: | Pichu is one of the easiest characters to rack up the distance with. Your main strategy should be to use the Thunder attack (Down + B). You should be able to pull this off three times before it knocks Sandbag off the platform. Before or after the three Thunder attacks, use whatever attack you can pull off quickly. Two Thunder Jolts (B) would be an example of something to use before the Thunder attacks. Sandbag’s damage should be around 80% before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1150 Feet |
| Strategy: | Finding a way to launch Sandbag with Pikachu has not been an easy task. So far, the best strategy is to use his Super Headbutt (Up + A) three times on the platform. After the first hit, roll forward once to get on the right side of Sandbag. After the second hit, roll left twice to get back on the left side of Sandbag. The final hit will knock Sandbag slightly off the platform. This is where it gets tricky. You’ll need to make sure your back is facing Sandbag, then hit it out of the air with the tip of the bat. Pikachu’s swing allows him to hit Sandbag from behind, and this actually makes it go further. |
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| Average Distance: | 750 Feet |
| Strategy: | Prince Marth is a very basic character. So far, the best strategy found for him is to simply use either his Vertical Slash (Hold Up, A) or his Upward Slash (Up + A while in the air). The Vertical Slash will be the obvious choice for beginners as it does not require the timing needed for the Upward Slash. However, either will do the job. Sandbag needs to be around 50% damage to obtain the average distance. |
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| Average Distance: | 950 Feet |
| Strategy: | Peach’s best method for the Home-Run Contest is fairly simple. Your strategy should revolve around her low bat swing (Hold Down, A). Start your session with whichever attack you can execute fastest, that will inflict the most damage while still keeping Sandbag on the platform. Then use the low bat swing as many times as possible before doing the standard bat swing. Just make sure that you wait until Sandbag has landed before doing another low bat swing to insure you get the maximum damage. You will also find that you don’t have to move to grab the bat. Simply turn around and press A. Peach will grab the bat without the need to move closer to it. |
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| Average Distance: | 1200 Feet |
| Strategy: | Thanks to Princess Zelda’s unique ability to change into Sheik, you’ll have to use both of them in order to obtain the average distance. As the session starts, grab the bat and change into Sheik. Head over to Sandbag and use the Sheik Palm Thrust attack (Up + A) three times. Now, you’ll have to make sure that both hits of the Palm Thrust connect all three times. While Sandbag is in the air after the third Palm Thrust, change back into Zelda. From here you’ll need precision timing for your bat swing. If the previous attacks were performed correctly, Sandbag will be falling slightly outside of the platforms radius. You will need to hit Sandbag out of the air with the bat. If everything was done correctly, Sandbag should have at least 85% damage before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1450 Feet |
| Strategy: | While Roy may be a powerhouse in Versus Mode. He seems to lack a little something in the Home-Run Contest. Almost all of his powerful attacks will knock Sandbag off the platform. You’ll have to rely on his Flaming Force Slash (Up + A). You should be able to pull off three Slashes before the time expires. You’ll need to give the first two Slash attacks a short charge, then unleash a fully charged attack for the third Slash. Then instead of using the bat, charge your Flaming Shield Breaker (Hold B). Sandbag should have around 55% damage before you use the Flaming Shield Breaker. Skilled players will also be able to add Roy’s Double Low Slash (Down + A), before they use the Flaming Force Slash. This is the only way to obtain the average distance. |
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| Average Distance: | 1250 Feet |
| Strategy: | Samus is a little tricky when it comes to the Home-Run Contest. You’ll need to use her Ground Flame (Hold Down, A) in conjunction with her Double Kick (Hold Up, A). You should use either two Double Kicks, followed by four Ground Flames, or vice versa. For the Double Kicks, you’ll need to make sure you wait until Sandbag has hit the ground before performing the second Double Kick. Otherwise, the Double Kick will knock Sandbag off of the platform. When you’re ready to execute the bat swing, you’ll need to make sure you hit Sandbag out of the air. The arch on Samus’ swing enables her to hit Sandbag further if you knock it out of the air. If you’ve done everything correctly, Sandbag should have around 70% damage before you use the bat. |
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| Average Distance: | 1850 Feet |
| Strategy: | Yoshi is a monster when it comes to the Home-Run Contest. Using his Aerial Run attack (Down + A while in the air), do the smallest jump possible (tap the X or Y buttons very lightly) and get as close as you can to Sandbag. If done correctly, you should inflict around 30% damage with each attack, and around 130% damage before you use the bat. Repeat this over and over until the time reaches one. Hold forward just before you land to move Sandbag slightly to the left to give you that little bit of extra distance when you eventually hit it. |
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| Average Distance: | 850 Feet |
| Strategy: | Young Link doesn’t have a lot of power in the Home-Run Contest. You’ll have to rely mainly on bombs, fire arrows, and his Upward Thrust (Hold Up, A). Use whatever combination of these three attack that leaves Sandbag around 60% damage and in the air, slightly off the right side of the platform. From here, hit it with the bat directly out of the air. |
