Zebstrika
[Overview]
<p>Zebstrika is the typical Electric-type Pokemon: really fast, but with only decent offensive stats. It is actually one of the fastest Pokemon in the tier, only outsped by Ninjask, Electrode, and Swellow. Zebstrika has a decent base 100 Attack stat, which means it will hit pretty hard, but with one exception: it has almost no usable physical moves. This strongly hinders Zebstrika's offensive capabilities, with its best move being Wild Charge, and forces it to take advantage of its average Special Attack stat. Fortunately, Zebstrika has everything it needs in the special department; great coverage with only three moves, amazing Speed, and access to Lightningrod makes Zebstrika an excellent user of Choice Specs and Life Orb to plow through the opponent's team.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hidden Power Grass
move 3: Overheat
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is the best set Zebstrika can pull off right now; pretty much a poor man's Manectric. Thunderbolt is Zebstrika's best STAB move to use, and will deal a great amount of damage, especially with Choice Specs and a Lightningrod boost. Hidden Power Grass is essential for this set, as it destroys Quagsire, a Pokemon that will easily stop Zebstrika in its path. Overheat is a great move for Zebstrika, as it allows Zebstrika to defeat Grass-types, such Exeggutor and Torterra, and sets it apart from other Electric-types. Volt Switch works great with Zebstrika's amazing Speed and Choice Specs. In order to grab a boost, it's recommended that Zebstrika to come in on a predicted Electric-type move, such as Thunder Wave or Thunderbolt.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Discharge is an option over Thunderbolt for the higher paralysis chance. The choice of item depends on what you prefer: Choice Specs gives Zebstrika more, needed power, but Life Orb gives Zebstrika the ability to switch moves. Entry hazards help in scoring some needed KOs against certain foes. Whirlipede is one of the only Pokemon that can provide both Toxic Spikes and Spikes at the same time, while Regirock is a good user of Stealth Rock. If you opt to use Choice Specs, Rapid Spin support is preferred, as Zebstrika is going to switch a lot. Cryogonal makes the best choice, as it is immune to Ground-type moves thanks to Levitate, and is capable of disposing Ground-types for Zebstrika with a super effective Ice Beam. Even though Zebstrika has great coverage, it still has problems with certain Pokemon. Altaria can easily survive several Thunderbolts and Roost off the damage. Crygonal can easily outspeed and KO Altaria with Ice Beam, but needs to be careful of Outrage, as its Defense stat is so poor. This makes Glaceon and Lapras great choices as well. Audino, with its massive HP and good Special Defense, can tank Thunderbolts with relative ease, and stall out Zebstrika with a combination of Wish, Protect, and Toxic. Sawk has no problem taking Audino out with a STAB Close Combat.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Zebstrika's other options are really sparse. Its only other offensive options are a Choice Band set or a mixed attacker set, but Zebstrika's movepool really holds it back, making both poor choices. If you want to try any of the two out, Zebstrika has Wild Charge, Flame Charge, Pursuit, Double Kick, Quick Attack, and the really unorthodox Thrash, at its disposal. Hidden Power Ice hits Altaria really hard, but it makes Zebstrika miss out on defeating Quagsire, which is much more important. The infamous combination of Substitute and Charge Beam is available, but Zebstrika doesn't have the right typing, nor the right moves or stats, to use it effectively. Zebstrika also has access to Thunder Wave, Motor Drive, and Agility, but all three technically only provide more Speed, something unnecessary for the already quick Zebstrika; it's only a waste of time, and power if you use Motor Drive over Lightningrod.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>What stops Zebstrika are Choice Scarf users and bulky Pokemon that don't take super effective damage from its moves. Choice Scarf Sawk can easily KO Zebstrika with either Close Combat or Earthquake. Altaria has no problem Roosting off repeated Thunderbolts, and can on some rare occasions hit back with Earthquake. Audino has the bulk to survive an assault from Zebstrika, especially if it's unboosted. Audino can then proceed to stall Zebstrika out with a combination of Wish, Protect, and Toxic. Absol with either Sucker Punch or a Choice Scarf will easily KO Zebstrika with its STAB moves, utilizing its massive power. Quagsire can stop Zebstrika locked into Thunderbolt or Overheat, but needs to be careful of Hidden Power Grass and whether Zebstrika is carrying a Life Orb instead.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Zebstrika receives Sap Sipper as its Dream World ability. Sap Sipper is a great ability, and actually makes a physical set somewhat viable; Sap Sipper increases Zebstrika's relatively good Attack stat when hit by a Grass-type move, and makes it immune to any Grass-type move.</p>
