Backward Somersault

Mario doing a mid-air Somersault in Super Mario 64.

A Somersault is an advanced type of jump introduced in Super Mario 64. It can only be done in the 3-D platformers. The Somersault travels much higher than a regular jump, so it can be used to reach high places. However, the Somersault expends slightly more time than other forms of jumping. As of now, only Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi can use this move. There are two different varieties: the Backwards Somersault and the Side Somersault.

The Backwards Somersault is one variety of Somersault. To do this, the character must crouch and then jump. The character flips over in midair, moving backwards. The character may chain it to a Ground Pound. The character can also control the backwards horizontal distance by holding back on the Control Stick. In Super Mario Sunshine, Mario cannot crouch, but he can do it only if he sprays water, then lets go of the pump while jumping. Doing so creates a blast of water. Luigi can Spin Jump on the way down from a Backwards Somersault in Super Mario 64 DS.

The Side Somersault is the other variety of Somersault. It is useful when the player wants to immediately change their jump direction, and can be used to reach high ledges. To use it, the character must run in one direction, then simultaneously turn to run in the other direction and jump. In Super Mario Sunshine, Mario only needs to face in one direction and turn around; therefore, Mario could execute a Side Somersault with almost no space to move. Bowser uses it in Super Mario Galaxy as one of his moves in the second battle against Mario. Also, in Super Mario Galaxy 2, Yoshi could Side Somersault, unlike in Super Mario Sunshine.