So, I've always prefered to play stall teams- for some odd reason, the need to find an oppurtunity to get a Toxic on that poor Mamoswine, and continue to heal off the Ice Beam damage with Hippowdon always entertained me. But there was always a single Pokemon that could potentially sweep my entire team. That Pokemon is Lucario, and the basis of my current team.
So, once I had my main Pokemon ready, I was ready to build my team. The set that always gave me trouble was the Swords Dance set, and that is what I chose. I needed to prepare for Lucario's coutners with the rest of the team, and so, I chose-
Swampert. It's Ice Beam should make quick work of Gliscor, in addition to working as a Phazer and to set up Stealth Rock.
I've never really thought that Swampert was a potent lead, though, so even though it used Stealth Rock, I almost immediately decided that it wouldn't be a lead. I wanted a Pokemon that could easily do damage to the opponent, as well as having enough function mid-game as a wallbreaker. I decided on Machamp, because of the great damage that Dynamic Punch does.
And then Tyranitar was added to the team. It makes decent psynergy with Machamp, resisting all of his weaknesses, while also providing Sandstorm support to my other Steel and Ground types. By now, however, two Pokemon were weak to Ground, so naturally, an immunity would help me do well.
Salamance immediately came to mind. As a wallbreaker, it was terrifying, as well as giving that Ground immunity that was necessary.
And then I added a Pokemon for the role I had lingering in my mind during the whole team-building process- a Paralyze user to help Lucario outspeed threats. I decided on Celebi- in addition to Thunder Wave, it also knew Leaf Storm to do massive damage whenever necessary.
Over time however, I noticed that Celebi wasn't fulfilling it's role as well as it could be. I ended up using Leaf Storm more than Thunder Wave. So I eventually replaced Celebi with Jirachi- not only does it actually use the paralyze it causes, but can also support Swampert with Wish, and have an immunity to Sandstorm. This, in addition to Salamance's banning, led to what I currently use for this team-
Many people believe that Dragonite is an inferior Salamance, and in many cases, it could be, but I think that MixNite works about as well as MixMence, the only thing that I regret is that I canot bluff a DD set >_>
So now, indepth-
Machamp (M) @ Lum Berry
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 240 HP/244 Atk/8 Spd/16 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dynamicpunch
- Bullet Punch
- Ice Punch
- Stone Edge
Machamp is here to cause as much damage as possible, to let my other Pokemon have more of a chance. Stone Edge is mainly to defeat Gyara, as it can easily end a sweep from Lucario. If you pay particular attention to the EVs, you may also find that 4EVs are taken from Attack into Speed, to help win the Speed Tie against other Lead Machamp. I have not used Payback, simply to rely on the surprise factor. Most Lead Machamp use Payback and either Ice Punch or Stone Edge, as well as Payback, and so, most people should believe I have the same. Both Ice Punch and Stone Edge are equally useful, and so, I have forsaken Payback and decided that Tyranitar performs decent damage to Psychic and Ghost types.
---
Swampert (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP/4 Atk/252 Def
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Roar
LeadPert that isn't in the lead position. Swampert contributes to the team by performing as a mixed wall, as well as a Phazer, setting up Stealth Rock, and beating Gliscor to help Lucario- a jack of all trades, "gluing" the team together. Stealth Rock- though not necessary- helps to damage the opponent's Pokenmon after switches, espescially the Flying types that Lucario hate so much. Swampert is also the only Phazer in the team, and so remains an important check against many Pokemon who like to set up.
---
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 240 HP/160 Def/32 Spd/76 SDef
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Wish
- U-turn
- Thunder Wave
- Iron Head
Personally, my favourite meta Pokemon, so I'm surprised I didn't use this guy first when I thought of "Paralyze Support". In addition to the aforementioned Thunder Wave, Wish also helps the team- my whole team has natural bulk, and none but Dragonite has any form of healing, and U-Turn helps this. Iron Head is always useful on Jirachi, much more so if the Jirachi in question knows Thunder Wave, leading to the ever-feared Paraflinch combo.
---
Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 160 HP/252 Atk/96 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
BandTar. I don't need to say much more, do I?
Well, this is Smogon, so it looks like I have to ^_^ Putting Tyranitar on a team with Machamp on the lead is a very useful combination. Machamp calls many Psychic type attacks, literally giving Tyranitar a free switch in. And who uses Psychic attacks, other than Psychic types *coughAzelfcough*? Tyranitar can easily trap and finish the opponent with either Crunch or Pursuit. Machamp's fame for holding a Lum Berry also helps Tyranitar against Rotom-A- even defensive versions tend to use Thunderbolt against Machamp, rather than Will-o-Wisp, giving a relatively easy switch into Tar, before damageing with Crunch for a possible KO, even after a burn. EarthSlide also has great coverage, only resisted by levitating Steels/Bronzong.
In addition to this, with 4 members in my team immune to it, the SandStorm support is welcomed.
---
Dragonite (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 112 Atk/200 Spd/196 SAtk
Rash nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Superpower
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Roost
A remnant of Salamance, but a fantastic wallbreaker all on it's own. Draco Meteor, from just about any Pokemon, deals massive damage to just about everyone, and if it doesn't, Superpower will. I really don't have much to say here, but it breaks down the majority of walls, and paves the way for my final pokemon to sweep...
---
Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spd/4 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Extremespeed
- Crunch
When Swampert or Champ or Nite have taken out Gliscor, when Tyranitar or Champ have taken out Gyara, and hopefully if Jirachi has paralyzed a good portion of the team and/or Dragonite has taken out the necessary Physical walls, Lucario has a chance to shine. And it does that well.
Base 120 STAB coming off 110 attack and a +2 boost isn't anything to laugh at. Crunch is there for the ghosts that Tar or anyone else can't take. Crunch is chosen over Ice Punch because, although Tar is my only real Ghost "counter", both he and Champ can take out the Flying types, making Crunch overall more useful.
---
So it looks like my plan has been covered enough times already, so one quick summary- scout for Lucario's counters, and take it out with my own character. Try and destroy a good portion of the team while I'm at it, and Thunder Wave will make it a whole lot more easier. Lucario can then make his sweep.
So now, problems. Pay attention to my attacks- they're all Physical, except for DM and Flamethower on Nite, and Ice Beam on Swampert. I vividly rember a game where I was absolutely owned by Weezing. Will-o-Wisp ends my team, because of it's extreme tilt towards Physical, which is why I really need Tar to end Rotom-A if it appears. But I really can't find any other Pokemon for the needed roles.
One time, I decided to replace Pert/Nite for Bulky Empoleon and Wallbreaker Gliscor. The two have great synergy, and makes Tar's sandstorm even more effective. Empoleon still has Stealth Rock, Roar and Ice Beam like Pert, and Gliscor can eliminate walls probably better than Nite. But Empoleon isn't nearly as bulky as Pert, with 3 common weaknesses, one of which is almost always used by Gliscor, and my own Gliscor's Toxic makes it harder for me to Paralyze.
The lack of a revenge killer is also disheartening, but I can't find a Pokemon that still fits the roles, and so I'd like help for that. Other than this, the only realy whole I see is by Breloom- other than that, the majority of losses come from my own lack of skill.
So anyway, thanks in advance ^_^
So, once I had my main Pokemon ready, I was ready to build my team. The set that always gave me trouble was the Swords Dance set, and that is what I chose. I needed to prepare for Lucario's coutners with the rest of the team, and so, I chose-
Swampert. It's Ice Beam should make quick work of Gliscor, in addition to working as a Phazer and to set up Stealth Rock.
I've never really thought that Swampert was a potent lead, though, so even though it used Stealth Rock, I almost immediately decided that it wouldn't be a lead. I wanted a Pokemon that could easily do damage to the opponent, as well as having enough function mid-game as a wallbreaker. I decided on Machamp, because of the great damage that Dynamic Punch does.
And then Tyranitar was added to the team. It makes decent psynergy with Machamp, resisting all of his weaknesses, while also providing Sandstorm support to my other Steel and Ground types. By now, however, two Pokemon were weak to Ground, so naturally, an immunity would help me do well.
Salamance immediately came to mind. As a wallbreaker, it was terrifying, as well as giving that Ground immunity that was necessary.
And then I added a Pokemon for the role I had lingering in my mind during the whole team-building process- a Paralyze user to help Lucario outspeed threats. I decided on Celebi- in addition to Thunder Wave, it also knew Leaf Storm to do massive damage whenever necessary.
Over time however, I noticed that Celebi wasn't fulfilling it's role as well as it could be. I ended up using Leaf Storm more than Thunder Wave. So I eventually replaced Celebi with Jirachi- not only does it actually use the paralyze it causes, but can also support Swampert with Wish, and have an immunity to Sandstorm. This, in addition to Salamance's banning, led to what I currently use for this team-
Many people believe that Dragonite is an inferior Salamance, and in many cases, it could be, but I think that MixNite works about as well as MixMence, the only thing that I regret is that I canot bluff a DD set >_>
So now, indepth-
Machamp (M) @ Lum Berry
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 240 HP/244 Atk/8 Spd/16 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dynamicpunch
- Bullet Punch
- Ice Punch
- Stone Edge
Machamp is here to cause as much damage as possible, to let my other Pokemon have more of a chance. Stone Edge is mainly to defeat Gyara, as it can easily end a sweep from Lucario. If you pay particular attention to the EVs, you may also find that 4EVs are taken from Attack into Speed, to help win the Speed Tie against other Lead Machamp. I have not used Payback, simply to rely on the surprise factor. Most Lead Machamp use Payback and either Ice Punch or Stone Edge, as well as Payback, and so, most people should believe I have the same. Both Ice Punch and Stone Edge are equally useful, and so, I have forsaken Payback and decided that Tyranitar performs decent damage to Psychic and Ghost types.
---
Swampert (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP/4 Atk/252 Def
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Roar
LeadPert that isn't in the lead position. Swampert contributes to the team by performing as a mixed wall, as well as a Phazer, setting up Stealth Rock, and beating Gliscor to help Lucario- a jack of all trades, "gluing" the team together. Stealth Rock- though not necessary- helps to damage the opponent's Pokenmon after switches, espescially the Flying types that Lucario hate so much. Swampert is also the only Phazer in the team, and so remains an important check against many Pokemon who like to set up.
---
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 240 HP/160 Def/32 Spd/76 SDef
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Wish
- U-turn
- Thunder Wave
- Iron Head
Personally, my favourite meta Pokemon, so I'm surprised I didn't use this guy first when I thought of "Paralyze Support". In addition to the aforementioned Thunder Wave, Wish also helps the team- my whole team has natural bulk, and none but Dragonite has any form of healing, and U-Turn helps this. Iron Head is always useful on Jirachi, much more so if the Jirachi in question knows Thunder Wave, leading to the ever-feared Paraflinch combo.
---
Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 160 HP/252 Atk/96 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
BandTar. I don't need to say much more, do I?
Well, this is Smogon, so it looks like I have to ^_^ Putting Tyranitar on a team with Machamp on the lead is a very useful combination. Machamp calls many Psychic type attacks, literally giving Tyranitar a free switch in. And who uses Psychic attacks, other than Psychic types *coughAzelfcough*? Tyranitar can easily trap and finish the opponent with either Crunch or Pursuit. Machamp's fame for holding a Lum Berry also helps Tyranitar against Rotom-A- even defensive versions tend to use Thunderbolt against Machamp, rather than Will-o-Wisp, giving a relatively easy switch into Tar, before damageing with Crunch for a possible KO, even after a burn. EarthSlide also has great coverage, only resisted by levitating Steels/Bronzong.
In addition to this, with 4 members in my team immune to it, the SandStorm support is welcomed.
---
Dragonite (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 112 Atk/200 Spd/196 SAtk
Rash nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Superpower
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower
- Roost
A remnant of Salamance, but a fantastic wallbreaker all on it's own. Draco Meteor, from just about any Pokemon, deals massive damage to just about everyone, and if it doesn't, Superpower will. I really don't have much to say here, but it breaks down the majority of walls, and paves the way for my final pokemon to sweep...
---
Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spd/4 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Extremespeed
- Crunch
When Swampert or Champ or Nite have taken out Gliscor, when Tyranitar or Champ have taken out Gyara, and hopefully if Jirachi has paralyzed a good portion of the team and/or Dragonite has taken out the necessary Physical walls, Lucario has a chance to shine. And it does that well.
Base 120 STAB coming off 110 attack and a +2 boost isn't anything to laugh at. Crunch is there for the ghosts that Tar or anyone else can't take. Crunch is chosen over Ice Punch because, although Tar is my only real Ghost "counter", both he and Champ can take out the Flying types, making Crunch overall more useful.
---
So it looks like my plan has been covered enough times already, so one quick summary- scout for Lucario's counters, and take it out with my own character. Try and destroy a good portion of the team while I'm at it, and Thunder Wave will make it a whole lot more easier. Lucario can then make his sweep.
So now, problems. Pay attention to my attacks- they're all Physical, except for DM and Flamethower on Nite, and Ice Beam on Swampert. I vividly rember a game where I was absolutely owned by Weezing. Will-o-Wisp ends my team, because of it's extreme tilt towards Physical, which is why I really need Tar to end Rotom-A if it appears. But I really can't find any other Pokemon for the needed roles.
One time, I decided to replace Pert/Nite for Bulky Empoleon and Wallbreaker Gliscor. The two have great synergy, and makes Tar's sandstorm even more effective. Empoleon still has Stealth Rock, Roar and Ice Beam like Pert, and Gliscor can eliminate walls probably better than Nite. But Empoleon isn't nearly as bulky as Pert, with 3 common weaknesses, one of which is almost always used by Gliscor, and my own Gliscor's Toxic makes it harder for me to Paralyze.
The lack of a revenge killer is also disheartening, but I can't find a Pokemon that still fits the roles, and so I'd like help for that. Other than this, the only realy whole I see is by Breloom- other than that, the majority of losses come from my own lack of skill.
So anyway, thanks in advance ^_^
