Spin Dash Hold: B button then release, rolls at a high speed can kill enemies. Sonic/Shadow Somersault: B button, used to break wooden containers, or squeeze through narrow gaps. Each characters actions are similar to their counterpart (i.e. More actions can be recieved when you pick up a upgrade. The following actions are basic actions that you start out with. But pressing Y Button will change the action to pick up, which allows you to pick up the chao.
For example, when in the Chao Garden near your chao, pressing the B Button may pet the chao. When there is more than one action that can be used, press the Y Button to change to another action. The action changes according to the situation. Actions The B and X Buttons are the Action buttons.