HOLD IT, SHADOW MARIO!

Analog Triggers

GameCube triggers are analog not binary, meaning the game can tell how hard ou're holding down the trigger. A useful mechanic in SMS is to only hold down the trigger partially. This allows Mario to run and spray at the same time

Efficient Spraying

If your initial spam sprays don't kill Shadow Mario don't attempt to keep spam spraying him. The most efficient way from that point is to hold down R partially and run after him while spraying. A common misconception is that it works better the closer you are to him, but this isn't true. It's actually much more efficient to have the end of the water stream hitting him as this does the most damage

Kill Spots

Shadow Mario cannot die at any time, and there are certain spots in his route where he can. Damage still counts at any time, however if you get him to zero health in between kill spots, you'll have to hit him one more time while he's there

How to Kill Shadow Mario

To kill Shadow Mario, first get to the bank in the spot I am in the example video (as well as below). Turn to Shadow Mario and spray him so he starts coming towards you. Spray him as much as you can while still having enough time to turn around and get the camera in a good spot. Turn as I am in the example and as soon as Shadow Mario reaches the bank start spam spraying as fast as you can and jumping towards him. This should be enough to kill him, but if it is not then reposition yourself to spam spray him at the bottom of the cliff and do so