franky
aka pimpdaddyfranky, aka frankydelaghetto, aka F, aka ef
Status: Posted
www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/drapion
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[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake / Protect
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is a slight variation from the standard Swords Dance set. This version primarily focuses on obtaining more than one Swords Dance boost with the help of a bulky EV spread. Drapion's exceptional bulk and typing allow it to set-up on many specially-inclined sweepers, such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Choiced Alakazam. This set can potentially be dangerous with more Swords Dance boosts in the long run; however, with the loss of immediate power from the lack of Life Orb and heavy Attack investment, Drapion is left more vulnerable to its typical counters, so it's highly recommended to bring him out late-game once everyone has been scouted. A well-timed set up is required for this set to truly function at its best.</p>
<p>Taunt is incredibly useful for this set as it allows Drapion to easily shut down status from common checks such as Registeel, Weezing, and Spiritomb. Consequently, this will give Drapion another chance to use Swords Dance to increase his Attack to higher levels. Aqua Tail is another option to look for over Taunt if you want to nail bulky Ground-types like Rhyperior and Donphan for super effective damage. Crunch and Earthquake provide optimal coverage alongside each other. Running Protect at the expense of losing coverage on Steel-types is another option to look for if you find Leftovers recovery and PP stalling more convinient.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs capitalize on giving Drapion enough Speed to beat beneficial Base 80 Pokemon. The majority of the EVs are sent to HP and Special Defense in order to give Drapion more bulk to take hits from the opponent. Another spread to look for to pump up its Special Defense stat is an EV spread of 252 HP / 214 SpD / 44 Spe. The Speed is given to outrun neutral Base 80 Pokemon. If you prefer to shut down Rotom's Will-O-Wisp attempts with Taunt, running 252 HP / 32 SpD / 224 Spe. The extra Speed also allows you to outrun Toxicroak and Moltres.</p>
<p>Since this set is not as threatening as the standard Swords Dance set, Drapion will struggle muscling his way through bulky Ground-types such as Donphan, Steelix, and Rhyperior. The former two can be dealt with by Choice Band Dugtrio once they are weakened, allowing Drapion to sweep easier. Donphan can be effectively dealt with by constantly beating its HP down until its low enough for Drapion to kill. Using Choice Band Scyther can be quite beneficial thanks to its Ground immunity and ability to lure out Donphan and strip its HP with repeated U-turns. Substitute Torterra make a valuable teammate alongside Drapion since it can take advantage of Drapion luring in the aforementioned threats. Substitute Torterra can easily hide behind a Substitute and keep the offensive momentum going.</p>
www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/drapion
________________________________________________________________
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Crunch
move 4: Earthquake / Protect
item: Leftovers
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is a slight variation from the standard Swords Dance set. This version primarily focuses on obtaining more than one Swords Dance boost with the help of a bulky EV spread. Drapion's exceptional bulk and typing allow it to set-up on many specially-inclined sweepers, such as Mismagius, Rotom, and Choiced Alakazam. This set can potentially be dangerous with more Swords Dance boosts in the long run; however, with the loss of immediate power from the lack of Life Orb and heavy Attack investment, Drapion is left more vulnerable to its typical counters, so it's highly recommended to bring him out late-game once everyone has been scouted. A well-timed set up is required for this set to truly function at its best.</p>
<p>Taunt is incredibly useful for this set as it allows Drapion to easily shut down status from common checks such as Registeel, Weezing, and Spiritomb. Consequently, this will give Drapion another chance to use Swords Dance to increase his Attack to higher levels. Aqua Tail is another option to look for over Taunt if you want to nail bulky Ground-types like Rhyperior and Donphan for super effective damage. Crunch and Earthquake provide optimal coverage alongside each other. Running Protect at the expense of losing coverage on Steel-types is another option to look for if you find Leftovers recovery and PP stalling more convinient.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs capitalize on giving Drapion enough Speed to beat beneficial Base 80 Pokemon. The majority of the EVs are sent to HP and Special Defense in order to give Drapion more bulk to take hits from the opponent. Another spread to look for to pump up its Special Defense stat is an EV spread of 252 HP / 214 SpD / 44 Spe. The Speed is given to outrun neutral Base 80 Pokemon. If you prefer to shut down Rotom's Will-O-Wisp attempts with Taunt, running 252 HP / 32 SpD / 224 Spe. The extra Speed also allows you to outrun Toxicroak and Moltres.</p>
<p>Since this set is not as threatening as the standard Swords Dance set, Drapion will struggle muscling his way through bulky Ground-types such as Donphan, Steelix, and Rhyperior. The former two can be dealt with by Choice Band Dugtrio once they are weakened, allowing Drapion to sweep easier. Donphan can be effectively dealt with by constantly beating its HP down until its low enough for Drapion to kill. Using Choice Band Scyther can be quite beneficial thanks to its Ground immunity and ability to lure out Donphan and strip its HP with repeated U-turns. Substitute Torterra make a valuable teammate alongside Drapion since it can take advantage of Drapion luring in the aforementioned threats. Substitute Torterra can easily hide behind a Substitute and keep the offensive momentum going.</p>