[OVERVIEW]
Ambipom in S/V NU can be thought of as a niche sidegrade, if not downgrade to Cinccino. They both have similar stats, typing, and abilities. However, Ambipom has a slightly different playstyle with its access to the move Fake Out and lack of Tidy Up. This makes it a decent option into offensive teams with lower bulk.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off/Taunt
move 4: Double Hit/ Low Kick/ Taunt
Item: Heavy Duty Boots/ Silk Scarf/ Protective Pads
Ability: Technician
Nature: Jolly
Evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
tera type:
Normal/ Ghost
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
The Pivot set serves to threaten Pokemon who have low defensive bulk with its Fake out and pivot out of unfavorable situations. Examples of offensive Pokemon who are threatened include Pokemon Espeon, Tornadus, and Tentacruel. Knock Off is used to cover ghost types and remove items from any physically bulky Pokemon that want to switch in. U-turn is used for momentum when you’ve already knocked off a Pokemon or want to position better. Taunt is an option for stopping potential set up moves or recovery. Low Kick can also be used against heavy Steel types like Duraladon and Copperajah. Ambipom’s usual tera types are ghost for avoiding super effective fighting moves and Normal for that little extra bit of damage in certain scenarios.
Ambipom works best with Pokemon that can take a hit and create openings for it to come in. A bulky pivot such as Swampert or Bellibolt can allow for such opportunities. This set also works well with Pokemon that have hazard control since it benefits a lot from chip damage and doesn’t want to be chipped itself. Such partners may include Klefki for spikes, Espeon for Magic Bounce, and spinners like Bramblegast. Bramblegast is a decent partner for dealing with Barraskewda and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua and Fighting moves, as well as being able to Rapid Spin. Since Ambipom deals poorly with strong physical walls, special wallbreakers like Munkidori, Toxtricity, and Chandelure can come in after Ambipom U-turns out.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
The Fake Out and Last Resort set could be an amusing option to catch opponents off guard, though it’d be difficult to pull off while the opponent has ghost types and physically tough Pokemon with high health. Switcheroo with a Choice item could also incapacitate a check hoping to take advantage of Ambipom's lack of damage or coverage.
Checks and Counters
====
Physically Bulky Pokemon: Ambipom has a hard time with physically bulky pokemon like Rhyperior, Bellibolt, Houndstone, Altaria, and Slowbro-Galar, who can usually switch in rather freely and hit back hard. Bulky Decidueye sets can also win long term against Ambipom due to it not doing much damage after being knocked off. Intimidate users such as Incineroar, Overqwil, Scrafty, and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua can also serve as a check to Ambipom.
Faster Pokemon: Faster Pokemon often force Ambipom out as it is not the best at taking hits. Examples include Kilowattrel, Inteleon, and Barraskewda. Choice scarfed Pokemon will also pose a problem to this set when it can’t use Fake Out. Examples include Munkidori, Flygon, Flamigo, and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua.
Priority: Although Priority is not as common in NU, a rogue Vacuum Wave from an Infernape or Sucker Punch from a Brute Bonnet can catch Ambipom off guard.
Status: Ambipom will be entirely shut down by paralysis or a burn. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave users like Klefki and Houndstone can completely ruin Ambipom's chances of making an impact in a game.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/latias999999999.645687/
Quality checked by:
Grammar checked by:
Ambipom in S/V NU can be thought of as a niche sidegrade, if not downgrade to Cinccino. They both have similar stats, typing, and abilities. However, Ambipom has a slightly different playstyle with its access to the move Fake Out and lack of Tidy Up. This makes it a decent option into offensive teams with lower bulk.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Knock Off/Taunt
move 4: Double Hit/ Low Kick/ Taunt
Item: Heavy Duty Boots/ Silk Scarf/ Protective Pads
Ability: Technician
Nature: Jolly
Evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
tera type:
Normal/ Ghost
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
The Pivot set serves to threaten Pokemon who have low defensive bulk with its Fake out and pivot out of unfavorable situations. Examples of offensive Pokemon who are threatened include Pokemon Espeon, Tornadus, and Tentacruel. Knock Off is used to cover ghost types and remove items from any physically bulky Pokemon that want to switch in. U-turn is used for momentum when you’ve already knocked off a Pokemon or want to position better. Taunt is an option for stopping potential set up moves or recovery. Low Kick can also be used against heavy Steel types like Duraladon and Copperajah. Ambipom’s usual tera types are ghost for avoiding super effective fighting moves and Normal for that little extra bit of damage in certain scenarios.
Ambipom works best with Pokemon that can take a hit and create openings for it to come in. A bulky pivot such as Swampert or Bellibolt can allow for such opportunities. This set also works well with Pokemon that have hazard control since it benefits a lot from chip damage and doesn’t want to be chipped itself. Such partners may include Klefki for spikes, Espeon for Magic Bounce, and spinners like Bramblegast. Bramblegast is a decent partner for dealing with Barraskewda and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua and Fighting moves, as well as being able to Rapid Spin. Since Ambipom deals poorly with strong physical walls, special wallbreakers like Munkidori, Toxtricity, and Chandelure can come in after Ambipom U-turns out.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
The Fake Out and Last Resort set could be an amusing option to catch opponents off guard, though it’d be difficult to pull off while the opponent has ghost types and physically tough Pokemon with high health. Switcheroo with a Choice item could also incapacitate a check hoping to take advantage of Ambipom's lack of damage or coverage.
Checks and Counters
====
Physically Bulky Pokemon: Ambipom has a hard time with physically bulky pokemon like Rhyperior, Bellibolt, Houndstone, Altaria, and Slowbro-Galar, who can usually switch in rather freely and hit back hard. Bulky Decidueye sets can also win long term against Ambipom due to it not doing much damage after being knocked off. Intimidate users such as Incineroar, Overqwil, Scrafty, and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua can also serve as a check to Ambipom.
Faster Pokemon: Faster Pokemon often force Ambipom out as it is not the best at taking hits. Examples include Kilowattrel, Inteleon, and Barraskewda. Choice scarfed Pokemon will also pose a problem to this set when it can’t use Fake Out. Examples include Munkidori, Flygon, Flamigo, and Tauros-Paldea-Aqua.
Priority: Although Priority is not as common in NU, a rogue Vacuum Wave from an Infernape or Sucker Punch from a Brute Bonnet can catch Ambipom off guard.
Status: Ambipom will be entirely shut down by paralysis or a burn. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave users like Klefki and Houndstone can completely ruin Ambipom's chances of making an impact in a game.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/latias999999999.645687/
Quality checked by:
Grammar checked by:
Last edited: