http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/swoobat
[Overview]
<p>It's a mystery why Swoobat isn't used more often. It's one of the fastest Pokemon in RU, only outrun by Accelgor, Sceptile, and Choice Scarf users, not to mention it has access to Taunt and Roost, which set it apart from Uxie. Although Swoobat's movepool isn't very good, it has access to a few usable moves, such as Taunt, Reflect, Light Screen, Roost, Calm Mind, and Knock off, which ensure it isn't completely useless. Unaware is a decent ability which gives Swoobat the ability to switch into boosted sweepers, set up on them, and proceed to stall them out with Roost. Unfortunately, Swoobat is weak to common Ice-, Rock-, and Electric-type attacks, and the less common Ghost- and Dark-type moves. Swoobat's typing isn't all bad, however, as it grants it a 4x resistance to Fighting-type moves, as well as STAB Psychic-type moves that will hit Fighting-types super effectively.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Taunt
move 4: U-turn
item: Light Clay
ability: Unaware
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 32 Def / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Swoobat's main selling point is its Speed, and this set utilizes it to set up dual screens before the opponent can attack. The objective is to switch in on a resisted move, set up dual screens, and bring in a sweeper that can set up and sweep the opponent's team. Taunt prevents the opponent from setting up or inflicting status on Swoobat, and also stops other Taunt users from ruining Swoobat's strategy. U-turn helps Swoobat escape the battle, and with its high Speed, allows it to switch out of moves it is weak to. Light Clay is the item of choice as it prolongs the duration of Reflect and Light Screen. Swoobat's ability also comes in handy on this set; Unaware means that Swoobat can switch into boosted opponents and only take unboosted damage from them.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>224 Speed EVs and a Timid nature allow Swoobat to outrun base 110 Speed Pokemon, such as Archeops. Maximum HP investment is needed to increase Swoobat's bulk, and the remaining EVs are placed into Defense, which makes it easier to switch in. A more defensive EV spread may be worth considering, though Swoobat's Speed is the main reason to use it over anything else. Roost can be used over Taunt to restore damage from Stealth Rock, though it turns Swoobat into set-up bait.</p>
<p>Support from Rapid Spin is helpful as Swoobat is weak to Stealth Rock, so it loses 25% of its health upon switcing into it. Hitmonchan is an excellent Rapid Spin user as it can switch into Rock- and Dark-type moves aimed at Swoobat, and in return, Swoobat can switch into Psychic-type attacks that Hitmonchan is weak to. Pokemon that can switch into Dark-, Ghost-, Ice-, and Electric-type attacks are helpful, especially Steel-types that can lure in Ground- and Fighting-type moves. Aggron is an excellent teammate as it can switch into Ice-, Ghost-, and Dark-type moves and proceed to set up with Rock Polish, or cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave. Krookodile is another great choice as it can switch into Ghost-types and threaten them with Pursuit or Crunch. Finally, Electivire is a strange option, though if it's lucky enough to switch into an Electric-type move, Motor Drive gives it the potential to sweep the opponent's team.</p>
<p>Pokemon that can set up behind dual screens make great partners. Shell Smash Omastar is an excellent choice thanks to its massive Special Attack and great coverage; after a single boost from Shell Smash, Omastar has enough power to OHKO defensive Clefable. Swords Dance Scyther is another great choice as it can tear through weakened teams; if you use Scyther, however, it's advisable to carry a Pokemon who can break through Steel-types, such as Typhlosion. Dragon Dance Feraligatr is already bulky, only has two weaknesses, and can deal an insane amount of damage with its STAB moves after a boost.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Air Slash / Taunt / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Unaware
nature: Timid
evs: 24 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set plays with a more offensive twist, utilizing Calm Mind to raise Swoobat's Special Attack and Special Defense. Swoobat's high Speed, ability to switch into Fighting-types, and Unaware to switch into boosted sweepers, make it an excellent candidate for a sweeping set. Although 77 base Special Attack isn't impressive, after a Calm Mind, Swoobat's STAB Psychic will be a force to be reckoned with. Hidden Power Fighting gives Swoobat a way to deal with Dark- and Steel-types who are immune to, and resist Psychic, respectively. Air Slash provides a secondary STAB move, Taunt can stop walls who attempt to use recovery moves or inflict status on Swoobat, and Roost can be used to restore health from Life Orb recoil and Stealth Rock damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs on this set are somewhat specialized; 224 Speed EVs and a Timid nature reach 352 Speed, which is enough to outrun base 110 Speed Pokemon, such as Archeops. 252 Special Attack EVs are used to give Swoobat some much needed firepower, 24 HP EVs ensure that Swoobat isn't KOed on its 4th switch into Stealth Rock, and the remaining EVs are placed into Defense for additional bulk. A Modest nature can be used for extra power, but Swoobat must sacrifice Speed, thus making it easier to revenge kill. Substitute is an option in the last slot to block status moves; Substitute also becomes difficult for special attackers to break after a few Calm Mind boosts.</p>
<p>Entry hazard support is helpful as it helps Swoobat KO weakened opponents more easily. Claydol can switch into Rock- and Electric-type attacks aimed at Swoobat and provide Stealth Rock support, though it shares an Ice-type weakness with it. Ferroseed is another great choice as it resists Rock-, Dark-, and Ghost-type moves, and can cripple faster opponents with Thunder Wave. Remember to pack a spinblocker when setting up hazards with Ferroseed, though.</p>
<p>Swoobat also appreciates support from Rapid Spin. Sandslash and Claydol can switch into Rock- and Electric-type attacks, set up Stealth Rock, utilize Rapid Spin, and provide team support time and time again. Cryogonal is another decent choice as it has massive Special Defense and access to Recover; unfortunately, Cryogonal shares a weakness to Rock-type moves. Steel- and Rock-types that can act as a lure for Fighting- and Ground-type moves are good teammates as they let Swoobat have an easier time switching in.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>With all things considered, Swoobat has a pretty horrible movepool; most of the remaining options are gimmicky, poor, or outclassed. Charm can be used to soften physical attacks and cause switches, but it's generally a wasted moveslot. Fake Tears can make it easier to KO certain walls, though Calm Mind is superior in almost every way. Swoobat can support its team with Trick Room, but it's too fast to use it effectively. Rain Dance isn't a bad choice, thanks to Swoobat's high Speed, access to Taunt, and decent defensive typing. Psych up can steal stat boosts from the opponent, which is helpful when it comes to Calm Mind boosters who won't be dealing much damage to Swoobat thanks to Unaware. Finally, Knock Off can cripple Pokemon who rely on their respective items to be effective, such as Eviolite users or Choice items.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Dark-types are the number one counters to Swoobat. Drapion and Krookodile are great choices as they are immune to Swoobat's STAB Psychic, and have good enough defenses to survive Hidden Power Fighting. Steel-types, such as Ferroseed and Steelix, can take on most sets, and can set up entry hazards, or phaze with either Roar or Dragon Tail, respectively. Munchlax won't be taking much damage from any of Swoobat's attacks, and it's decent Attack stat means it will make short work of Swoobat. Rotom-C can switch into anything bar Air Slash and KO Swoobat with STAB Thunderbolt, though after a few Calm Mind boosts, Swoobat won't be taking a lot of damage.</p>
<p>Swoobat's defenses aren't great, so Choice Scarf revenge killers will KO it pretty easily. Sucker Punch and Shadow Sneak hit Swoobat super effectively, so Ghost- and Dark-types, such as Dusknoir and Honchkrow, respectively, are decent counters. Finally, Taunt will ruin almost every set Swoobat will run, so Prankster Murkrow is an excellent option to bypass Swoobat's high Speed.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Swoobat receives Simple as its Dream World Ability. Simple is an excellent ability, and it turns Swoobat into a powerful sweeper much more rapidly when it uses Calm Mind because it doubles stat boosts.</p>
