Special Shot

A Special Shot is a move that any character can perform in Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Special Shots are activated by touching the Touch Screen at points to make a certain letter or symbol. The symbols include an M, an L, a triangle, a W, a B, an N, an S, or a star, with each character having a set symbol. The symbol must be tapped out twice to perform the Special Shot, and characters cannot move while starting the Special Shot. A player is highly vulnerable to tackles while bouncing the ball in the special formation, so it is unwise to attempt a special shot when being swarmed by opponents.

Special Shots are unstoppable if executed from inside the 3-point line, and will always make it in the basket. However, if executed outside the 3-point line, a teammate needs to run up and dunk the ball. Sometimes, the teammate will fail to receive the ball. If an opponent is blocking that teammate, the shot will miss.

Listed below are the Special Shot symbols and their associated character(s).
 * M - Mario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and Moogle
 * L - Luigi
 * Triangle - Peach, Daisy, Dixie Kong, and Birdo
 * W - Wario and Waluigi
 * B - Bowser Jr., Bowser, and Boo
 * N - Paratroopa and Ninja
 * S - Fly Guy and Cactuar
 * Star - White Mage and Black Mage

In Mario Sports Mix, special shots make a return appearance. While the shots play similarly to that of the special shots from Mario Hoops 3-on-3, these shots are blockable, and can be preventable. Also, the method of unleashing a special shot is different as the moves can only be used once the player's special shot meter reaches a maximum level. Each character has a different, and unique special shot that is based on their properties and features. Additionally, the special shots tend to vary in the way it is used in each of the four sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Hockey, and Dodgeball.

In Mario Tennis Aces, Special Shots make an appearance for the first time in a non-basketball game. They can only be used when the energy gauge is full, and allows the player to aim their shot in a first-person perspective. These shots are capable of breaking the opposition's racket in one hit, though they can be blocked, so not all Special Shots are a guaranteed win.