Ground Pound

"When in doubt, pound! Or jump. Or blow. Or whatever. I'm sure you'll figure it out."

—Cranky Kong

The "Hand Slap" move in SSBB.

The Ground pound, also known as the "Hand Slap'", is move introduced in Donkey Kong Country. It is Donkey Kong's signature attack, which initially was a simple overhead slap to the ground, and can only be done while on the ground.

History

Donkey Kong Country

In DKC, the move would defeat most regular enemies, and even reward a free Banana for it. In the Japanese version of the game, a banana bunch is rewarded for every third enemy hand slapped, including Krushas (despite them being immune damage-wise). Aside from defeating most foes for a free banana, it could unearth secret bonuses in certain spots of the ground, notably on top of trees, which usually also gives bananas.

Super Smash Bros. series

Main article: SmashWiki's article on Hand Slap

The Ground Pound, called Hand Slap in the Smash Bros. series, has been featured in all three games. It is D.K.'s down special move. When the move is used, Donkey Kong beats down on the ground at a fast rate and creates short shockwaves and an earthquake effect, damaging anyone nearby. Many find it effective to beat the "Multi-man Melee/Brawl.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

The Ground Pound move is back in action in Donkey Kong Country Returns, this time with a more major role. Now aside from Donkey Kong exclusively using it, Diddy Kong has a variation of the move, called "Peanut Pound". The move allows them to access new areas, defeat certain foes, and break certain blocks or the box holding Rambi.

References

Special Moves in the Super Smash Bros. series
Donkey Kong
Neutral Special	Giant Punch
Side Special	Headbutt
Up Special	Spinning Kong
Down Special	Ground Pound
Final Smash	Konga Beat
Diddy Kong
Neutral Special	Peanut Popgun
Side Special	Monkey Flip
Up Special	Rocketbarrel Boost
Down Special	Banana Peel
Final Smash	Rocketbarrel Barrage