Wanted to post this before the Dodrio update. Hitmonlee could use a bit of spicing up. Has mention of now rare Pokemon such as Espeon and can add new things such as Alakazam as partners. The Life Orb set (as of June) is now most common so it will be first. Choice is almost even but a bit more emphasis on Scarf (unfortunately). Finally, the Reversal set will be removed as it's never used and doesn't capitalize on Hitmonlee's talents, and replaced with a Substitute + 3 attacks set that will hopefully be approved. If not I still recommend a slash of Sub and/or Black Belt on the LO set.
Hitmonlee fuck yeah.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/hitmonlee
Status: Analysis posted; awaiting grammar checks
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Although UU does present an array of options when it comes to Fighting-types, Hitmonlee has certain assets that make him a great choice for a team. His base 120 Attack is a huge plus, and it is backed up by powerful attacks such as STAB Close Combat, Stone Edge, and Sucker Punch, all of which allow him to decimate many common Pokemon in the tier. Hitmonlee is also one of the fastest Fighting-types, sitting comfortably above the omnipresent base 80 Speed tier, and Limber actually grants the frail Hitmonlee opportunities to switch in.</p>
<p>Even with these advantages, Hitmonlee faces stiff competition for a spot on the team from other Fighting-types. Blaziken's Fire STAB and high Special Attack allow him to destroy Weezing and Spiritomb, common counters for Fighting-types. Toxicroak's Dry Skin gives him more opportunities to switch in, while he can boost both his Attack and Special Attack, aiding his unpredictability. With entry hazards being so popular, Hitmontop is often the Fighting-type of choice because of his ability to Rapid Spin effectively. Although competition between Fighting-types in UU is fierce, Hitmonlee has his perks, which make him a great choice for many teams. Underestimate this "kicking fiend" at your peril.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake / Blaze Kick
move 4: Mach Punch / Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of the major benefits of using Life Orb is that Hitmonlee can freely switch between attacks, making him less susceptible to prediction. Since Hitmonlee is already frail, the added power on each attack is a great trade-off for a small amount of recoil. With a base 120 Attack stat, powerful moves, and great coverage, not much can safely switch into this set.</p>
<p>Close Combat is the core move of this set, providing Hitmonlee with a powerful STAB attack that effectively demolishes the many Pokemon who do not have the Defense to handle it. Stone Edge complements Close Combat perfectly, OHKOing common Flying-types like Moltres and giving Hitmonlee a powerful attack to deter Ghost-types from switching in. Earthquake is used to handle bulky Poison-types like Nidoqueen who would otherwise wall this set, and lands an OHKO on Toxicroak, although Blaze Kick can be used to deliver an OHKO to offensive Venusaur. The last slot gives Hitmonlee a strong priority attack, as his Speed is still quite average. Mach Punch is the more reliable option, as it doesn't require your opponent to attack, but Sucker Punch is more powerful and allows Hitmonlee to revenge kill special threats like Mismagius and Alakazam (beware of Substitute).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Jolly is the preferred nature, since Hitmonlee needs as much Speed as possible to defeat certain threats. Without a Jolly nature, Hitmonlee will be outsped by positive-natured Venusaur, Blaziken, and Toxicroak, lowering his effectiveness when dealing with these threats. With Life Orb, the power of Jolly is usually adequate, although Adamant may be used to grab the 2HKO on specially defensive Spiritomb and a chance to 2HKO standard Tangrowth. Rapid Spin can be used in the last slot to get rid of hazards, as Hitmonlee has the advantage of keeping offensive momentum, unlike other spinners, and doesn't particularly attract many Ghost-types.</p>
<p>Eliminating bulky physical walls is recommended prior to sending out Hitmonlee. The biggest nuisances to Hitmonlee are Weezing, Claydol, Slowbro, and Uxie, who can switch in multiple times and cripple him with a burn or retaliate with a STAB attack. Powerful special attackers such as Mismagius and Alakazam can OHKO or 2HKO these threats, while they enjoy Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Registeel, Chansey, and Spiritomb. Spiritomb can defeat these Pokemon with Shadow Ball or begin setting up on them with Calm Mind. Houndoom and Arcanine can nab a Flash Fire boost, as Hitmonlee attracts Will-O-Wisp users, at which point they can begin firing off boosted attacks. Because of Hitmonlee's frail defenses, a bulky Pokemon is useful to take the priority attacks aimed at him. Milotic can defeat most of Hitmonlee's counters one-on-one because of her access to instant recovery and high special attack, as Hitmonlee's counters aren't generally specially bulky.</p>
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Blaze Kick / Mach Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Limber
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Hitmonlee sports the highest base Attack out of all the Fighting-types in UU (tied with both Blaziken and Hariyama), making him a great revenge killer. With Choice Scarf compensating for Hitmonlee's middling Speed, he now has the ability to OHKO faster threats such as Sceptile and Swellow before they have a chance to attack. Although lacking in power, this set focuses on eliminating offensive Pokemon rather than pure wallbreaking.</p>
<p>Close Combat is Hitmonlee's STAB move and serves as his main form of attack. Earthquake is used for Poison-types, such as Toxicroak, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen, who can easily soak up Hitmonlee's STAB. Stone Edge complements Close Combat and Earthquake by hitting Flying-types super effectively, as they can switch in on most of this set with ease. The last slot is mostly filler. Blaze Kick puts the hurt on Venusaur while Mach Punch can be used to hit Pokemon that attempt to attack Hitmonlee with priority, or if the opponent has grabbed a Speed boost.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When wielding Choice Scarf, with an Adamant nature, Hitmonlee's Speed caps at 409, outspeeding every Pokemon in the tier besides Electrode and opposing Pokemon holding Choice Scarf. Coupled with a 372 Attack stat, his revenge killing capabilities are top-notch.</p>
<p>Don't try and play Scarfed Hitmonlee as you would Primeape. Primeape's access to U-turn allows him to switch in and out freely without giving any free turns to the opponent, helping to create momentum. Play to Hitmonlee's strengths, namely higher attack power and greater coverage, which allow him to revenge kill a larger variety of threats.</p>
<p>Because Choiced Hitmonlee cannot switch between attacks, he is extremely susceptible to prediction. Ghost-types are particularly threatening, as they can acquire a free Substitute as Hitmonlee is forced to switch. Spiritomb is the best all-around partner for Choiced Hitmonlee, being able to switch in and eliminate Ghost-types with a STAB Pursuit / Sucker Punch combination. Strong physical walls like Weezing, Claydol, and Uxie can easily withstand Close Combat or Stone Edge, and Spiritomb handles them decently as well. Special attackers like Mismagius can take advantage of these offensively inept walls to set up a Nasty Plot and OHKO each of them. Mixed Houndoom can switch in on Will-O-Wisp and Pursuit Ghost- and Psychic-types or scorch Weezing with a boosted Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Hitmonlee appreciates hazard support due to his lower offensive capabilities. Omastar makes a fine choice, as he has access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Mach Punch / Blaze Kick
item: Choice Band
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When you supplement 120 base Attack with a 120 base Power STAB attack from one of the best attacking types in the game, you know you've got a monster on your hands. Choice Band Hitmonlee hits 508 Attack, enough to easily muscle his way through most of the tier. With the great coverage this set provides, not much can switch in safely. Pokemon that could have easily sponged a non-Choice Banded Hitmonlee's Close Combat, such as Regirock and Steelix, now have a chance to be OHKOed with Stealth Rock support, showing how easily Hitmonlee can dispose of the toughest Pokemon in the tier.</p>
<p>Close Combat is Hitmonlee's powerful STAB move and is used to eliminate powerful walls such as Registeel and Milotic. Close Combat does up to 38% to the now popular specially defensive Weezing, meaning that with just Stealth Rock support it has a high chance to 3HKO. Earthquake is, again, used to hit Poison-types and now gets the 2HKO on Nidoqueen, eliminating her as a counter. Stone Edge hits Flying-types for an OHKO and prevents Ghost-types from switching in for free Mismagius is OHKOed after Stealth Rock, and there is a chance to OHKO Rotom as well. Since every move on this set can OHKO or 2HKO every Venusaur bar the physically bulkiest, Mach Punch is a superior option to Blaze Kick, as it grants Hitmonlee a nifty revenge killing tool. Blaze Kick can still be used if you have trouble with physically bulky Venusaur, however.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Hitmonlee is an excellent wallbreaker that can blow holes in most teams. However, he falls prey to the crippling weakness all Choiced Pokemon share: they are unable to switch attacks between turns. This set is heavily reliant on prediction (much like the Scarfer), but has an easier time dealing with resistances because of the sheer force behind Hitmonlee's attacks (Toxicroak and Nidoking are 2HKOed by Close Combat, for example).</p>
<p>Choice Band Hitmonlee partners well with teammates who attract Pokemon he can easily switch in on, such as Registeel. Alakazam and Mismagius are great choices, especially since both can easily handle bulkier threats such as Claydol, Weezing, and Slowbro. Flash Fire or Fire-type Pokemon are useful teammates as well, as they can absorb Will-O-Wisp and are benefited Hitmonlee's wallbreaking abilities. Houndoom is the best choice because his Dark STAB and access to Pursuit allow him to trap and defeat bulky Psychic-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + 3 Attacks
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Black Belt
ability: Limber
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Since Hitmonlee is commonly seen holding a Life Orb, opponents will assume he is Choiced if he doesn't suffer recoil after every attack. This set capitalizes on that assumption, allowing Hitmonlee to obtain a surprise KO against an unsuspecting opponent.</p>
<p>Substitute eases prediction, as it allows Hitmonlee to scout the opponent's switch-in and protects him from all forms of status. Close Combat is the crux of the set, and it is complemented by Stone Edge, which delivers a swift KO against Flying-types and provides a way to hit Ghost-types. Rock Slide is a more reliable attack that still OHKOes Scyther and Moltres, but it is weaker against everything else. Sucker Punch has excellent synergy with Substitute, which forces the opponent to attack and therefore ensures it lands.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An Adamant nature with Black Belt allows Hitmonlee to feign Choice while giving him just enough power to KO certain threats. Below are several damage calculations demonstrating the power of Adamant Hitmonlee's Black Belt-boosted Close Combat against certain threats.</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/0 Registeel - 94% - 111%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 248/252 Milotic - 51.9% - 61.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 52/204 Donphan - 53% - 62.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/252 Blastoise - 48.9% - 57.5%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/176 Omastar - 92.4% - 108.7%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 212/252 Torterra - 44% - 52.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/224 Miltank - 88.3% - 104.1%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 4/0 Venusaur - 46.8% - 55.5%</li>
<li>-1 Close Combat vs. 252/4 Hitmontop - 55.6% - 66.1%</li>
</ul>
<p>The strategy to using this set effectively is to switch Hitmonlee in on a Pokemon whom he can threaten instantly, such as Registeel or Chansey, and use Substitute while your opponent switches out. Once that has been accomplished, proceed to hit the switch-in with the most appropriate attack.</p>
<p>Although Substitute grants Hitmonlee a great utility move, he still doesn't have the power to break through dedicated physical walls like Weezing and Slowbro. Hitmonlee should be used mid-to-late game when your opponent's team is weakened, or early on if you see the chance to obtain a surprise KO. For example, players may see the large amount of damage Close Combat does to their Venusaur and assume it's a Choice Band variant, and switch to Mismagius in hopes of setting up a Substitute. From here, Hitmonlee can Stone Edge and Sucker Punch appropriately to eliminate her from the match.</p>
<p>This Hitmonlee works particularly well on heavily offensive teams, as one surprise KO can turn the entire match around. Powerful special attackers like Mismagius enjoy Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Registeel and Chansey as well as weaken Spiritomb. Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Milotic allows Pokemon like Rhyperior and Arcanine to sweep freely. If used on a more balanced team, a defensive pivot like Milotic is useful to sponge priority attacks and status.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Hitmonlee appreciates entry hazard support, as it allows him to guarantee KOs on numerous Pokemon. Omastar is a great option for this, as he has access to all forms of entry hazards and makes an effective lead. Dual screeners such as Uxie or Claydol allow Hitmonlee to take a hit or two he normally couldn't, something the Life Orb set dearly appreciates. Although not required, a cleric is useful if Hitmonlee somehow gets burned. Clefable makes a great partner, since she can also provide Wish support.</p>
<p>Hitmonlee pairs particularly well with powerful special threats like Alakazam and Mismagius, who enjoy his ability to eliminate or weaken their counters. They both return the favor to Hitmonlee, as they have powerful attacks to get rid of Weezing, Uxie, and Slowbro, ensuring Hitmonlee doesn't hit any road blocks en route to his sweep. Flash Fire and Fire-type Pokemon are useful teammates to absorb Will-O-Wisp. Houndoom is the greatest choice because of his Pursuit / Sucker Punch combination to eliminate bulkier Psychic-types.</p>
<p>More defensive partners to Hitmonlee include bulky Waters like Milotic and Slowbro, who can take any priority attack and absorb status. Spiritomb is also a great partner because of his ability to switch into Ghost-types and eliminate them without trouble.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Hitmonlee can use Bulk Up to boost his Attack stat, but he's better off attacking right from the start. Double-Edge is Hitmonlee's strongest attack against walls such as Weezing, but the added recoil and the fact that it doesn't 2HKO most variants with Choice Band equipped (specially defensive spreads have a chance to be 2HKOed with Stealth Rock) make it a lesser option, especially since it severely limits his coverage.</p>
<p>Hitmonlee has access to Reversal, and it's extremely powerful when set up correctly, but he has trouble using it effectively because of all the priority users running rampant in the tier. He also has trouble setting it up due to his frailty.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Pokemon who have a resistance or immunity to Fighting make great counters to Hitmonlee. Weezing, Claydol, Slowbro, and Uxie can switch into any attack and OHKO with Psychic or burn him with Will-O-Wisp. Nidoqueen also makes a decent counter as long as she avoids Earthquake.</p>
<p>The Choice sets are a bit easier to counter, as he cannot switch between attacks. Bringing Rotom or Mismagius in on Close Combat or Earthquake allows them to obtain a free turn to either Substitute or set up Nasty Plot. Take advantage of immunities and the fact that Hitmonlee is locked into one move to set up a dangerous Pokemon.</p>
<p>Priority attacks will seriously injure Hitmonlee, due to his frailty. Some noteworthy examples include Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Arcanine's Extremespeed.</p>
Hitmonlee fuck yeah.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/hitmonlee
Status: Analysis posted; awaiting grammar checks
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Although UU does present an array of options when it comes to Fighting-types, Hitmonlee has certain assets that make him a great choice for a team. His base 120 Attack is a huge plus, and it is backed up by powerful attacks such as STAB Close Combat, Stone Edge, and Sucker Punch, all of which allow him to decimate many common Pokemon in the tier. Hitmonlee is also one of the fastest Fighting-types, sitting comfortably above the omnipresent base 80 Speed tier, and Limber actually grants the frail Hitmonlee opportunities to switch in.</p>
<p>Even with these advantages, Hitmonlee faces stiff competition for a spot on the team from other Fighting-types. Blaziken's Fire STAB and high Special Attack allow him to destroy Weezing and Spiritomb, common counters for Fighting-types. Toxicroak's Dry Skin gives him more opportunities to switch in, while he can boost both his Attack and Special Attack, aiding his unpredictability. With entry hazards being so popular, Hitmontop is often the Fighting-type of choice because of his ability to Rapid Spin effectively. Although competition between Fighting-types in UU is fierce, Hitmonlee has his perks, which make him a great choice for many teams. Underestimate this "kicking fiend" at your peril.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake / Blaze Kick
move 4: Mach Punch / Sucker Punch
item: Life Orb
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of the major benefits of using Life Orb is that Hitmonlee can freely switch between attacks, making him less susceptible to prediction. Since Hitmonlee is already frail, the added power on each attack is a great trade-off for a small amount of recoil. With a base 120 Attack stat, powerful moves, and great coverage, not much can safely switch into this set.</p>
<p>Close Combat is the core move of this set, providing Hitmonlee with a powerful STAB attack that effectively demolishes the many Pokemon who do not have the Defense to handle it. Stone Edge complements Close Combat perfectly, OHKOing common Flying-types like Moltres and giving Hitmonlee a powerful attack to deter Ghost-types from switching in. Earthquake is used to handle bulky Poison-types like Nidoqueen who would otherwise wall this set, and lands an OHKO on Toxicroak, although Blaze Kick can be used to deliver an OHKO to offensive Venusaur. The last slot gives Hitmonlee a strong priority attack, as his Speed is still quite average. Mach Punch is the more reliable option, as it doesn't require your opponent to attack, but Sucker Punch is more powerful and allows Hitmonlee to revenge kill special threats like Mismagius and Alakazam (beware of Substitute).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Jolly is the preferred nature, since Hitmonlee needs as much Speed as possible to defeat certain threats. Without a Jolly nature, Hitmonlee will be outsped by positive-natured Venusaur, Blaziken, and Toxicroak, lowering his effectiveness when dealing with these threats. With Life Orb, the power of Jolly is usually adequate, although Adamant may be used to grab the 2HKO on specially defensive Spiritomb and a chance to 2HKO standard Tangrowth. Rapid Spin can be used in the last slot to get rid of hazards, as Hitmonlee has the advantage of keeping offensive momentum, unlike other spinners, and doesn't particularly attract many Ghost-types.</p>
<p>Eliminating bulky physical walls is recommended prior to sending out Hitmonlee. The biggest nuisances to Hitmonlee are Weezing, Claydol, Slowbro, and Uxie, who can switch in multiple times and cripple him with a burn or retaliate with a STAB attack. Powerful special attackers such as Mismagius and Alakazam can OHKO or 2HKO these threats, while they enjoy Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Registeel, Chansey, and Spiritomb. Spiritomb can defeat these Pokemon with Shadow Ball or begin setting up on them with Calm Mind. Houndoom and Arcanine can nab a Flash Fire boost, as Hitmonlee attracts Will-O-Wisp users, at which point they can begin firing off boosted attacks. Because of Hitmonlee's frail defenses, a bulky Pokemon is useful to take the priority attacks aimed at him. Milotic can defeat most of Hitmonlee's counters one-on-one because of her access to instant recovery and high special attack, as Hitmonlee's counters aren't generally specially bulky.</p>
[SET]
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Blaze Kick / Mach Punch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Limber
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Hitmonlee sports the highest base Attack out of all the Fighting-types in UU (tied with both Blaziken and Hariyama), making him a great revenge killer. With Choice Scarf compensating for Hitmonlee's middling Speed, he now has the ability to OHKO faster threats such as Sceptile and Swellow before they have a chance to attack. Although lacking in power, this set focuses on eliminating offensive Pokemon rather than pure wallbreaking.</p>
<p>Close Combat is Hitmonlee's STAB move and serves as his main form of attack. Earthquake is used for Poison-types, such as Toxicroak, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen, who can easily soak up Hitmonlee's STAB. Stone Edge complements Close Combat and Earthquake by hitting Flying-types super effectively, as they can switch in on most of this set with ease. The last slot is mostly filler. Blaze Kick puts the hurt on Venusaur while Mach Punch can be used to hit Pokemon that attempt to attack Hitmonlee with priority, or if the opponent has grabbed a Speed boost.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When wielding Choice Scarf, with an Adamant nature, Hitmonlee's Speed caps at 409, outspeeding every Pokemon in the tier besides Electrode and opposing Pokemon holding Choice Scarf. Coupled with a 372 Attack stat, his revenge killing capabilities are top-notch.</p>
<p>Don't try and play Scarfed Hitmonlee as you would Primeape. Primeape's access to U-turn allows him to switch in and out freely without giving any free turns to the opponent, helping to create momentum. Play to Hitmonlee's strengths, namely higher attack power and greater coverage, which allow him to revenge kill a larger variety of threats.</p>
<p>Because Choiced Hitmonlee cannot switch between attacks, he is extremely susceptible to prediction. Ghost-types are particularly threatening, as they can acquire a free Substitute as Hitmonlee is forced to switch. Spiritomb is the best all-around partner for Choiced Hitmonlee, being able to switch in and eliminate Ghost-types with a STAB Pursuit / Sucker Punch combination. Strong physical walls like Weezing, Claydol, and Uxie can easily withstand Close Combat or Stone Edge, and Spiritomb handles them decently as well. Special attackers like Mismagius can take advantage of these offensively inept walls to set up a Nasty Plot and OHKO each of them. Mixed Houndoom can switch in on Will-O-Wisp and Pursuit Ghost- and Psychic-types or scorch Weezing with a boosted Fire Blast. Choice Scarf Hitmonlee appreciates hazard support due to his lower offensive capabilities. Omastar makes a fine choice, as he has access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Mach Punch / Blaze Kick
item: Choice Band
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>When you supplement 120 base Attack with a 120 base Power STAB attack from one of the best attacking types in the game, you know you've got a monster on your hands. Choice Band Hitmonlee hits 508 Attack, enough to easily muscle his way through most of the tier. With the great coverage this set provides, not much can switch in safely. Pokemon that could have easily sponged a non-Choice Banded Hitmonlee's Close Combat, such as Regirock and Steelix, now have a chance to be OHKOed with Stealth Rock support, showing how easily Hitmonlee can dispose of the toughest Pokemon in the tier.</p>
<p>Close Combat is Hitmonlee's powerful STAB move and is used to eliminate powerful walls such as Registeel and Milotic. Close Combat does up to 38% to the now popular specially defensive Weezing, meaning that with just Stealth Rock support it has a high chance to 3HKO. Earthquake is, again, used to hit Poison-types and now gets the 2HKO on Nidoqueen, eliminating her as a counter. Stone Edge hits Flying-types for an OHKO and prevents Ghost-types from switching in for free Mismagius is OHKOed after Stealth Rock, and there is a chance to OHKO Rotom as well. Since every move on this set can OHKO or 2HKO every Venusaur bar the physically bulkiest, Mach Punch is a superior option to Blaze Kick, as it grants Hitmonlee a nifty revenge killing tool. Blaze Kick can still be used if you have trouble with physically bulky Venusaur, however.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Hitmonlee is an excellent wallbreaker that can blow holes in most teams. However, he falls prey to the crippling weakness all Choiced Pokemon share: they are unable to switch attacks between turns. This set is heavily reliant on prediction (much like the Scarfer), but has an easier time dealing with resistances because of the sheer force behind Hitmonlee's attacks (Toxicroak and Nidoking are 2HKOed by Close Combat, for example).</p>
<p>Choice Band Hitmonlee partners well with teammates who attract Pokemon he can easily switch in on, such as Registeel. Alakazam and Mismagius are great choices, especially since both can easily handle bulkier threats such as Claydol, Weezing, and Slowbro. Flash Fire or Fire-type Pokemon are useful teammates as well, as they can absorb Will-O-Wisp and are benefited Hitmonlee's wallbreaking abilities. Houndoom is the best choice because his Dark STAB and access to Pursuit allow him to trap and defeat bulky Psychic-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + 3 Attacks
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Black Belt
ability: Limber
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Since Hitmonlee is commonly seen holding a Life Orb, opponents will assume he is Choiced if he doesn't suffer recoil after every attack. This set capitalizes on that assumption, allowing Hitmonlee to obtain a surprise KO against an unsuspecting opponent.</p>
<p>Substitute eases prediction, as it allows Hitmonlee to scout the opponent's switch-in and protects him from all forms of status. Close Combat is the crux of the set, and it is complemented by Stone Edge, which delivers a swift KO against Flying-types and provides a way to hit Ghost-types. Rock Slide is a more reliable attack that still OHKOes Scyther and Moltres, but it is weaker against everything else. Sucker Punch has excellent synergy with Substitute, which forces the opponent to attack and therefore ensures it lands.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An Adamant nature with Black Belt allows Hitmonlee to feign Choice while giving him just enough power to KO certain threats. Below are several damage calculations demonstrating the power of Adamant Hitmonlee's Black Belt-boosted Close Combat against certain threats.</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/0 Registeel - 94% - 111%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 248/252 Milotic - 51.9% - 61.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 52/204 Donphan - 53% - 62.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/252 Blastoise - 48.9% - 57.5%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/176 Omastar - 92.4% - 108.7%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 212/252 Torterra - 44% - 52.3%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 252/224 Miltank - 88.3% - 104.1%</li>
<li>Close Combat vs. 4/0 Venusaur - 46.8% - 55.5%</li>
<li>-1 Close Combat vs. 252/4 Hitmontop - 55.6% - 66.1%</li>
</ul>
<p>The strategy to using this set effectively is to switch Hitmonlee in on a Pokemon whom he can threaten instantly, such as Registeel or Chansey, and use Substitute while your opponent switches out. Once that has been accomplished, proceed to hit the switch-in with the most appropriate attack.</p>
<p>Although Substitute grants Hitmonlee a great utility move, he still doesn't have the power to break through dedicated physical walls like Weezing and Slowbro. Hitmonlee should be used mid-to-late game when your opponent's team is weakened, or early on if you see the chance to obtain a surprise KO. For example, players may see the large amount of damage Close Combat does to their Venusaur and assume it's a Choice Band variant, and switch to Mismagius in hopes of setting up a Substitute. From here, Hitmonlee can Stone Edge and Sucker Punch appropriately to eliminate her from the match.</p>
<p>This Hitmonlee works particularly well on heavily offensive teams, as one surprise KO can turn the entire match around. Powerful special attackers like Mismagius enjoy Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Registeel and Chansey as well as weaken Spiritomb. Hitmonlee's ability to eliminate Milotic allows Pokemon like Rhyperior and Arcanine to sweep freely. If used on a more balanced team, a defensive pivot like Milotic is useful to sponge priority attacks and status.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Hitmonlee appreciates entry hazard support, as it allows him to guarantee KOs on numerous Pokemon. Omastar is a great option for this, as he has access to all forms of entry hazards and makes an effective lead. Dual screeners such as Uxie or Claydol allow Hitmonlee to take a hit or two he normally couldn't, something the Life Orb set dearly appreciates. Although not required, a cleric is useful if Hitmonlee somehow gets burned. Clefable makes a great partner, since she can also provide Wish support.</p>
<p>Hitmonlee pairs particularly well with powerful special threats like Alakazam and Mismagius, who enjoy his ability to eliminate or weaken their counters. They both return the favor to Hitmonlee, as they have powerful attacks to get rid of Weezing, Uxie, and Slowbro, ensuring Hitmonlee doesn't hit any road blocks en route to his sweep. Flash Fire and Fire-type Pokemon are useful teammates to absorb Will-O-Wisp. Houndoom is the greatest choice because of his Pursuit / Sucker Punch combination to eliminate bulkier Psychic-types.</p>
<p>More defensive partners to Hitmonlee include bulky Waters like Milotic and Slowbro, who can take any priority attack and absorb status. Spiritomb is also a great partner because of his ability to switch into Ghost-types and eliminate them without trouble.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Hitmonlee can use Bulk Up to boost his Attack stat, but he's better off attacking right from the start. Double-Edge is Hitmonlee's strongest attack against walls such as Weezing, but the added recoil and the fact that it doesn't 2HKO most variants with Choice Band equipped (specially defensive spreads have a chance to be 2HKOed with Stealth Rock) make it a lesser option, especially since it severely limits his coverage.</p>
<p>Hitmonlee has access to Reversal, and it's extremely powerful when set up correctly, but he has trouble using it effectively because of all the priority users running rampant in the tier. He also has trouble setting it up due to his frailty.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Pokemon who have a resistance or immunity to Fighting make great counters to Hitmonlee. Weezing, Claydol, Slowbro, and Uxie can switch into any attack and OHKO with Psychic or burn him with Will-O-Wisp. Nidoqueen also makes a decent counter as long as she avoids Earthquake.</p>
<p>The Choice sets are a bit easier to counter, as he cannot switch between attacks. Bringing Rotom or Mismagius in on Close Combat or Earthquake allows them to obtain a free turn to either Substitute or set up Nasty Plot. Take advantage of immunities and the fact that Hitmonlee is locked into one move to set up a dangerous Pokemon.</p>
<p>Priority attacks will seriously injure Hitmonlee, due to his frailty. Some noteworthy examples include Azumarill's Aqua Jet and Arcanine's Extremespeed.</p>
