Arc (the main character) can attack in a couple different ways with his nifty stick. If you run and attack then Arc will dash with a piercing attack. If you jump and attack then Arc will create a whirling slash. If you run, jump and attack then Arc will grind across the ground with a powerful attack. If you tap the attack button repeatedly then Arc will go wild attacking super fast. Those are all of Arc's special attacks. Some do more damage on different enemies than others. The best attack would probably be the "run & attack dash" since that one makes it easier to hit and run, so it gives you two advantages: (1) you can easily dodge an enemy's counterattack, (2) you can easily get to a good position to hit the enemy with another good blow. It just has one drawback, it takes a tiny bit longer to do, so once you execute it you're in danger of getting hit by the enemy.