A Dive (also called Body Slide[1]) is a move used by various characters in the Mario franchise, though it is mainly used by Mario in 3D titles. Usually, the dive is activated by jumping into the air followed by hitting the attack button. Diving has the character dive downward out of the air as a means of attacking enemies or dodging obstacles.
In Super Mario 64, Mario can use this move by running and pressing to initiate the dive; holding back on the Control Stick or pressing or ends the move (though only the latter method retains Mario's momentum). This move can also be used during a running jump or Side Somersault. While diving, Mario will slide across the ground on his stomach and damage any enemies in his path. If diving onto a sloped surface (like a slide), Mario's speed will remain constant (despite the player's inputs) until he touches flat ground again. In Super Mario 64 DS, Luigi and Wario can dive as well, using the same controls, though the amount of damage done is dependent on the character. Yoshi, however, cannot dive due to lacking attack power.
Super Mario Sunshine
In Super Mario Sunshine, Mario no longer has to gain speed to dive. The player can simply jump on the spot and press to send Mario diving forward. While Mario can dive into enemies to defeat or damage them, he can only do so with smaller enemies like Goobles. He can also dive forward repeatedly if the player keeps pressing . If Mario dives into Graffiti or water on the ground, he will continue to slide until the player holds back on the Control Stick or presses .
Super Mario 3D World
A variant of the dive is used by every character in Super Mario 3D World (except Captain Toad), though only while wearing a Cat Suit. Players can hit the attack button in midair to send their character diving downward at a high speed, attacking any enemies the player comes into contact with, and can cancel the dive by Ground Pounding or changing direction.
Super Mario Odyssey
Mario is able to dive in Super Mario Odyssey. It is now performed by holding zl and pressing after jumping, like the Roll. It can thus be done at the start of a Ground Pound in midair.[2] Unlike in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, however, Mario jumps in a small arc instead of just falling, and he does not slide upon landing. Using this move underwater lets Mario perform a Quick Swim[3], which mimics the swimming controls of Super Mario 64 up to Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Sports titles
In many sports titles, such as the Mario Baseball and Mario Tennis series, characters can dive in order to recover the ball. Diving is usually activated when the player tries to recover the ball from a distance, causing the character to dive in order to cover the distance between them and the ball. However, characters can only dive a certain distance and may not be able to reach the ball in time.
Super Smash Bros. series
In the Super Smash Bros. series, Mario and Luigi can perform a dive attack based on that from Super Mario 64 by doing their dash attacks while holding an item.
Trivia
Mario and Tuxie diving together in Super Mario 64.
If the player performs a dive next to Tuxie and the baby penguin near to Mother Penguin in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS, then they will dive too.
References
^In a sign at the castle's courtyard: "Press while running fast to do a Body Slide attack."
to initiate the dive; holding back on the Control Stick or pressing 
or 
to send Mario diving forward. While Mario can dive into enemies to defeat or damage them, he can only do so with smaller enemies like Goobles. He can also dive forward repeatedly if the player keeps pressing 
.
after jumping, like the Roll. It can thus be done at the start of a Ground Pound in midair.[2] Unlike in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, however, Mario jumps in a small arc instead of just falling, and he does not slide upon landing. Using this move underwater lets Mario perform a Quick Swim[3], which mimics the swimming controls of Super Mario 64 up to Super Mario Galaxy 2.
