Introduction
This year I will be attending VGC for the first time. Unfortunately however, the location I am planning to compete at (Dallas) will be holding its competition on May 29, meaning I have a little over a month to prepare for a metagame that I have zero experience with.
Uh oh.
Looking on the bright side, I've been told that doubles is relatively easy to get into, especially considering I've had some success with other types of battling. Just to prepare more, I've decided to attempt to build a VGC team and post it in the RMT section for more suggestions.
Team Details
Abomasnow @ Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 6 Spe
Nature: Quiet
- Blizzard
- Protect
- Grass Knot
- Ice Shard
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Summary: Abomasnow is unique for its ability to set up hail instantly. This rids foes of their Focus Sashes and allows Blizzard to attain 100% accuracy. It is also useful for canceling out my opponents' weather.
Moveset: Blizzard is obligatory, hitting off of 120 BP with STAB and for 100% accuracy in hail. Protect is also needed for double battling, as it allows me to scout for attacks that would otherwise KO me and avoid Explosion. Grass Knot is STAB and hits Kyogre and Groudon hard, two Pokemon that I will be expected to be commonly used in VGC. Ice Shard is used to finish off weakened opponents and to get in a bit of damage if I know I'm going to get KO'd.
EVs, Nature, and Item: Quiet Nature with a 0 Speed IV to ensure hail gets set up. Max HP/ Max SpA allows me to remain bulky while still hitting as hard as possible. Focus Sash lets me survive a hit from the many attacks that would otherwise KO me.
Palkia @ Haban Berry
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
- Blizzard
- Protect
- Spacial Rend
- Fire Blast
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Summary: Palkia plays the role of a powerful sweeper in the 2010 VGC. Its Base 150 SpA and Base 100 Spe, along with a varied movepool, allow it to present a significant threat.
Moveset: Blizzard takes advantage of the hail set up by Abomasnow, hitting hard and with perfect accuracy. Protect shields Palkia from the many attacks that will be aimed at it. Spacial Rend, Palkia's signature move, is a powerful STAB attack that will be an important method of attacking. Fire Blast provides Steel coverage, as well as hitting annoying Shedinjas.
EVs, Nature, and Item: A Timid nature increases Palkia's Speed, which is necessary for effective sweeping. The EVs maximize its attacking ability. Haban Berry protects Palkia from its only weakness, Dragon.
Kyogre @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Modest
- Water Spout
- Thunder
- Ice Beam
- Ancientpower
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Summary: Kyogre will be one of the most threatening and commonly used Pokemon at this year's VGC. Due to Water Spout, a STAB 150 BP move, it can overwhelm many opponents through sheer force.
Moveset: Water Spout is Kyogre's most powerful move, and is made only more dangerous in the rain that it sets up. Its primary use will be to clean up late game. Thunder has 100% accuracy in the rain, and adds to Kyogre's move coverage. Ice Beam rounds out the coverage by providing a means to hit Dragon types with. AncientPower hits Rayquaza and enemy Abomasnow hard, and was put in because I was paranoid about having only one Pokemon that could deal with Shedinja.
EVs, Nature, and Item: Using a Modest nature takes full advantage of Kyogre's Base 150 SpA, taking this stat to a maximum of 438. The EVs given are to maximize its damage-dealing potential, while still retaining maximum speed. Choice Scarf is used to outspeed enemies and sweep opponents later in the match.
Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 6 Spe
Nature: Modest
- Fake Out
- Protect
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot
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Summary: Ludicolo is an ideal partner for Kyogre; its Swift Swim ability allows it to take full advantage of the rain, doubling its Speed stat.
Moveset: Fake Out is used first to flinch opponents. Protect helps to scout enemy attacks and Explosions. Grass Knot is for STAB and hitting opponents that take heavy damage from it, such as Groudon and Kyogre. Ice Beam rounds out Ludicolo's coverage and hits Dragon-types for super effective damage.
EVs, Nature, and Item: Max HP / Max SpA for increased bulk and maximum attacking ability. I left out the Speed EVs because Swift Swim should be enough by itself. Leftovers gives Ludicolo a means of recovery, extending its longevity. Modest nature for highest possible Special Attack.
Conclusion
Thanks to everyone who read through my first Doubles RMT. Hopefully it's not too obvious that this is my first VGC team; I also welcome constructive criticism.