The following moves are common to all characters. These are the fundamental aspects of Super Smash Brothers Melee. You must have a good knowledge of the following moves and attacks before you can become a great player.
| Direction | Action |
|---|
| Up | Jump |
| Down | Duck / Drop Below Platform |
| Forward | Walk |
| Back | Turn Around |
| Hold Down | Fall Quickly / Fall Through Platforms (while in air) |
| Quickly Hold Forward | Dash |
| Button | Action |
|---|
| A | Standard Attack / Pick Up Item / Use Item |
| B | Special Attack |
| R / L | Shield |
| X / Y | Jump / Double Jump / Air Jump
(the longer you hold the button down, the higher you jump) |
| Z | Grab / Drop Item |
| Z-Move | Action |
|---|
| Z+Forward | Throw Item Forward |
| Z+Back | Turn Around and Throw Item |
| Hold Z | Shield |
| Hold Z, Forward | Roll Forward and Turn Around |
| Hold Z, Back | Roll Back |
| R/L-Move | Action |
|---|
| R+A / L+A | Grab / Throw Item |
| R+Forward / L+Forward | Roll Forward and Turn Around |
| R+Back / L+Back | Roll Back |
| R+Down / L+Down | Dodge |
| Air Move | Action |
|---|
| R+Down / L+Down | Aerial Dodge (AIR) |
| R+Up / L+Up | Upward Dodge (AIR) |
| R+Forward / L+Forward | Forward Dodge (AIR) |
| R+Back / L+Back | Backward Dodge (AIR) |
| Special | Action |
|---|
| C Stick | Smash Attack (only in Versus Mode) |
| Up on Directional Pad | Taunt |
