what is the safest attack to use after shield or side dodge?

[Sora_Kurisu]

I want to know what is the safest attack to use after a shield or side dodge. I notice that fsmash is bad after a shield or a side dodge because usually the opponent has enough time to side dodge it and punish you. I want to know what is the fastest, safest, and least punishable attack to use after marth's shield or side step.

 

[bludhoundz]

Jab, dtilt and Dancing Blade are all really good quick options. I believe all of them come out within the first ten frames of the move, but I could be wrong.

Dolphin Slash has invincibility frames right from the start, so you're completely invincible if you use this move out of a shield / sidestep. The only problem is the aftermath: you're falling helplessly to the ground unless you're on a stage with platforms.

 

[Kodachrome]

Actually, because a sidedodge has frames where you're vulnerable, nothing is technically safe to plan on using after one...but nobody's THAT scared of getting hit, so meh. The above ARE the best options, but you run the risk of the opponent getting their shield out just in time.

Personally I prefer to use shield-dropped fairs. I'm not sure, but I believe the lag from having to take your shield down before dancing blade, d-tilt, jab, etc...*except dolphin slash* actually make f-air the safest option out of shield, if you don't feel like plummeting helplessly. With a f-air, you can also retreat VERY far while using it, unlike dancing blade.
Now that I think of it, I'm not sure of marth's jump speed, so it's entirely possible that dancing blade is actually faster than a shield-dropped f-air. meh. Dancing blade also moves up the moveset queue, so keep that in mind.

Basically...you have to drop your shield first to use anything besides dolphin slash or an aerial. So I like aerials out of shield, particularly f-air retreats, mixed in with a followup.

 

[Kodachrome]

Erm...excuse the double post, but after digging around on the boards, it takes 4 frames to drop a shield (taken from the "data driven safety" thread) and both f-air/dancing blade come out on frame 4 according m2k's little research project. It all depends on marth's jump speed (which is pretty quick, but I'm sure dancing blade OOS is probably faster or just as fast) and whether you want to risk getting shieldgrabbed, reset your moves or simply respace yourself...

I guess marth is airborne on frame 5. Now I'm nitpicking, but this research was actually pretty fun for me, haha.

Of course, these options are all dependent upon the move you just dodged or shielded. Sometimes an fsmash will work.

*funny note* If a pikachu is ever stupid enough to skullbash you, just shield and fsmash. Instant tipper. xD The shield knockback is perfect. Someone should do a thread on shield knockback putting you at optimum range for your own moves...

 

[flash7]

Ive never tried dtilt, but that might be a good option ill have to try out. I usually do db since its really quick or grab although not really an attack. Grab I find helps against those that have quick attacks that can spam the move or can go straight into shield. Such as G&W and his down smash.

 

[Aether]

I generaly go for jab or throw. The first if the opponent could be airborne or not too close, the latter if he's close. I think Dolphin slash is a good idea if the opponent is at high percentage and you see he's lagging out of a whiffed move.