The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass/Controls

Controlling Link on land
Link will always remain in the center of the bottom screen. To make link run around the world, press the stylus on the screen in the direction that you would like Link to run. For example, to make Link run right, hold the stylus to the right of Link. To make Link run to down and to the left, press the stylus to the lower left corner of the screen.

Somersaults
To make Link perform somersaults on the ground, keep the stylus on the outer edge of the screen, and draw little circles. Every time that you do, Link will roll across the floor.

Talking to People
To talk to someone, tap a person when they are visible on the lower screen. Link will automatically walk up to them and start a conversation. Tap the blue triangle to advance the dialog.

Reading signs
Reading signs is similar to talking to people. Tap the sign when you are standing in front of the sign to read any messages that signs contain.

Lifting objects
To lift an object off the ground, quickly tap the object twice when you are standing next to it. Tapping the screen twice will cause Link to lift the object in the air (if he can). Then simply tap the screen in some location around Link to make Link throw the object in that direction.

Using Link's sword
Shortly after you begin the game, you will need to acquire a sword to progress safely through the monster infested lands. The old man who grants you the sword will teach you how to use it, and test your ability to ensure that you can defend yourself. He will teach you three methods of attack

Target attacks
To use the target attack, simply tap on the monster (or object) you would like to attack. Link will lunge forward to strike the object. It is possible that the object is out of Links range, in which case he will continue to advance in order to reach the target.

Slash attack
When Link can not pinpoint the location of an enemy, perhaps because it moves too quickly, Link must rely on the slash attack. To make Link swing his sword, draw a straight line in front of Link, across the target you would like to strike. Link will swing his sword in that target's direction.

Spin attack
The last attack that Link can rely upon, is his famous Spin Attack. In order to perform it, simply draw a circle all the way around Link. Link will swing his blade in a full circle, attacking any threat that is immediately surrounding him.