Dodrio
[Overview]
<p>Although Dodrio has a decent base 100 Speed and an impressive base 110 Attack, its poor defenses and typing deny it a chance to shine in the VGC 2012 metagame. Dodrio is also unfortunately outclassed by the likes of Straptor, which has the exact same typing as it as well as a higher Attack stat. However, with access to Brave Bird, Dodrio is able to KO some of the most common Pokemon, including Hitmontop, Abomasnow, Volcarona, and Ludicolo. Despite the fact that Dodrio has poor defenses and only average offensive stats, when partnered correctly, it can get some surprising KOs.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Return
move 3: Quick Attack / Taunt
move 4: Protect
item: Flying Gem
ability: Early Bird
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set's goal is to hit as hard as possible with two of Dodrio's strongest STAB attacking moves, Brave Bird and Return. Brave Bird KOes Hitmontop, Toxicroak, Abomasnow, and Ludicolo without rain before they are able to hit Dodrio. Return gives Dodrio more coverage, allowing it to hit Electric-types harder and not take any recoil damage. Quick Attack is excellent, finishing off Focus Sash users along with Pokemon that are close to fainting. It also allows Dodrio to deal some quick damage before getting KOed. However, Taunt can also be used to stop the likes of Cresselia and Amoonguss as Dodrio outspeeds them. Protect is necessary to increase Dodrio's longevity while its partner takes out common threats.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Dodrio's EV spread is straightforward, but effective. With a Jolly nature and maximum Speed investment, it outspeeds anything with less than base 100 Speed. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Attack, allowing Dodrio to dish out as much damage as possible. Although Focus Sash is an excellent item, ensuring Dodrio can get at least one attack off before fainting, Brave Bird will KO Dodrio after it uses it. With a Flying Gem, Dodrio is able to get an incredibly powerful Brave Bird off, sending all Fighting-type Pokemon to oblivion.</p>
<p>Since Dodrio's Speed is only a decent, it appreciates being partnered with Pokemon who can slow down the opposing team with moves such as Thunder Wave and Icy Wind. Cresselia is an excellent example, disrupting the opponent's team while assisting Dodrio's offensive abilities. Dodrio also partners well with Fake Out users such as Hitmontop, Infernape, and Mienshao, all of which can use Fake Out to flinch faster Pokemon while Dodrio finishes the job with Brave Bird. Since Dodrio is completely walled by Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon, it works great alongside Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon. Terrakion has access to Rock Slide and Close Combat, taking out Pokemon that otherwise render Dodrio useless. Garchomp has access to Earthquake and Rock Slide and takes advantage of Dodrio's Flying-type to spam Earthquake. Tyranitar is slightly slower than both Terrakion and Garchomp but has more bulk, as well as access to Rock Slide and Low Kick.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Unfortunately, Dodrio's movepool is incredibly limited, and it doesn't have access to many other good moves. Steel Wing can hit Rock-types such as Tyranitar for decent damage, but Rock-types other than Tyranitar and Terrakion aren't so common. Toxic allows Dodrio to shut down walls such as Cresselia before it is KOed but runs into the risk of being ruined by either Lum Berries or Rest. Sunny Day can be used to support a sun team, for obvious reasons. Drill Peck is an alternative option to Brave Bird; however, since Dodrio is already not very strong, Drill Peck will not get as many KOs as Brave Bird. The recoil damage is often insignificant since Dodrio will go down to a hit or two regardless. Focus Sash can be used to ensure that Dodrio gets one attack off before getting KOed, but since Brave Bird is often the main attack, it will just KO Dodrio after being used.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Since Dodrio's defensive stats are rather poor, it is easily OHKOed by strong STAB attacks. Examples include Zapdos's Thunderbolt and Tyranitar's Rock Slide. Electric-, Steel-, and Rock-type Pokemon, such as Zapdos, Thundurus, Metagross, and Tyranitar, all wall Dodrio, leaving it helpless. Dodrio also does not fare well against defensive walls that can soak hits, such as Cresselia. Sableye threatens to burn Dodrio with Will-o-Wisp and can use Trick to steal its Flying Gem.</p>