Well, this is my first attempt at a competitive team, but it's not really working exactly as I've wanted it to. I'm using it as a Rain Dance team, and I've found alot of things i have to worry about. It's winning around 35% of all the battles I've tested it on in shoddy, but I think there's alot of room for improvement, so hopefully you guys can help me out :).
Credit to Pokemon Elite 200 for the images.
Team Overview:
The Lead:
Electrode @ Damp Rock
Ability: Static
Nature: Hasty
EV's: 252 Attack/30 Sp.A/ 228 Speed
-Rain Dance
-Taunt
-Thunder
-Explosion
The basic RD Electrode from Smogon annalysis page. It works great for me, allowing me to get the 8 turns of rain from the very start, unless Taunt is needed to stop utility leads like Uxie. Thunder is obvious STAB, w/ the nice 100 Accuracy due to the rain. It seems to fair pretty well against most other leads in UU, but I have to watch out for Ambipooms Fake Out, since that takes out a great chunck of Electrodes health. I also can't risk Explosion due to the possible switch to ghosts.
Lead Comparison:
Dangerous/Moderate/Little Threat
Uxie – No real problems here. They never run any offinsive moves that can OHKO me, so I just Taunt them. They've got nothing to do, so they either switch or U-Turn while I set up rain in turn 2.
Ambipom– These guys can be such a pain. With Life Orb/Technician, Fake Out takes out a great chunck of HP off Electrode. I usually can only set up Rain before getting KOed, so I just switch out to Registeel to get SR up.
Roserade - These guys can get tricky. I've got to guess weither they will try to set-up, or attack w/ Sludge Bomb. I usually set-up rain, and then switch out to Registeel to absorb Sludge because they often hold Focus Sash. Once Registeel is out, they normally switch since they don't carry anything good, meaning their sash is gone from SR.
Yanmega – Pretty dangerous aswell. They Protect first turn to gain the speed boosts, so I use RD, then switch to Registeel to stop Bug Buzz. Then SR takes out a majority of the HP on the switch in.
Moltres – No true trouble here. I go first most of the time, since Rain Dance weakens it's Heat Wave before it gets to attack. Then either Thunder or switch to Kabutops (.25 Damage+ -2Sp.A+ Rain= Little Damage).
Electrode - They're going to do the same basic thing as I am. Just Taunt to see who gets it first. If I do, switch to Rotom since it will probably Explode since I would normally set-up Rain.
Arcanine – Again, Rain Dance to weaken it's fire attacks. Still need to check damage calculations, but I've never gotten OHKOed, so little thread.
Lopunny – Never faced, so I need to look through it's Lead sets before saying anything. Why it's medium Threat for now, since i wouldn't know what to do.
Mesprit – Set-up Rain. Then proced depending on what it does it's first turn.
Typhlosion - Rain makes this guy's Sp.A's side too weak to KO, so Rain, Explode if under 1/2.
Rain Dancer/Sleeper:
Roserade @ Damp Rock
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
EV's: 4 HP/252Sp.A/252Speed
-Rain Dance
-Sleep Powder
-Weather Ball
-Grass Knot
My second of three rain dancers on the team. It's great for a majority of jobs from how I've used it. It helps absorb incoming stats problems, takes out Toxic Spikes, brings back another 8 turns of rain after Electrode has Exploded, and can add Sleep if I need it to set up. Grass Knot for STAB, plus it helps bring down those bulky waters that like to come in when I've got the rain up. Weather Ball since it goes to a 100 Base Power Water attack, and gets the boost from the rain. I've caught many fire types that thought they could switch in, and KOed them before they could attack.
Major Wall:
Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Ability: Rain Dish
Nature: Calm
EV's: 252 HP/40 Defense/216 Sp. D
-Substitute
-Ice Beam
-Leech Seed
-Rain Dance
An amazing wall that has severed me very well through it's uses. I've been able to take out many pokemon in one game throught this guy thanks to his many ways to restore HP. I originally couldn't decide between Protect and Sustitute, but I've stopped many attempted Status problems with Substitutes protection. With Rain/Leech Seed/ and Leftovers running, I can make a sub every turn, and still be gainning HP. I'm not so sure about Ice Beam though, since I'm pretty well walled by bulky waters who try to stall against me. I've never beaten a Milotic through this set, so I may switch to Energy Ball (if it gets it), for STAB plus coverage.
Second Wall:
Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP/ 100 Attack/ 156 Sp. Defense.
-Stealth Rock
-Thunderwave
-Earthquake
-Iron Head
A wall I just added recently to my team. I originally had a Cloyster here to use Rapid Spin, but it never got the job done, and only added to my weaknesses. Registeel allows me to set up Stealth Rock when needed, which holds Moltres at bay from trying to take out Ludicolo and Roserade, which gives them more freedom. Thunderwave adds Paralysis, which I've needed in the case that the rain ends in the middle of Kabutops' sweep. It's also allowed Iron Head to get random flinches here or there, but I'm considering switching it out for either Rock Slide or Return. Rock Slide can help keep out those fliers, who will already be weakend from the SR damage that they have taken aswell. Return gives a strong move that will help cover the pokemon that avoide EQ either through Levitate or that fly. I'm not so sure if I will keep him though, so anyone you see that can do better, it'd be very much appreciated.
The Physcial Sweeper:
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
EV's: 4 HP/252 Attack/252 Speed
-Swords Dance
-Waterfall
-Stone Edge
-Brick Break
The main sweeper on this team. If I can get him set up the turn after rain is brought onto the field, this guy is nearlly impossible to stop. It gets the lovely speed boost thanks to Swift Swim, and Life Orb adds a great amount of power. SD is pretty self-explanitor. Come in on an attack you can resist and force a switch. Set-up, and start owning. Waterfall gets a great boost with LO+Rain+STAB+Possible SD. Stone Edge is for great STAB, and takes on fliers who aren't hit for SE damage from either of the other two. The critical hit chances helps out alot aswell. I put Brick Break on here since I was constantly being walled by Chansey and Registeel. This has easily brought those walls down, taking off some of the presurre from the special sweepers. Brick Break can probably be swapped with another good move, so ideas here would help. I didn't like X-Scissor here. Maybe Aqua Jet to allow him to revenge kill quickly.
The Special Sweeper:
Rotom @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 Sp. Attack/252 Speed
-Thunder
-Shadow Ball
-HP Ice 70
-Trick
A newer addition to the team along with Registeel. I originally had a special Sceptile here in it's place, but just like Clyoster, added more weaknesses than coverage. Rotom is my go-to guy for all imcoming Ground/Fighting/Normal attacks. It goes great with Electrode after rain is up, since most leads I've faced have carried Earthquake, which gives me a free switch in, and possibly break a Physcial sweeper with Trick. Thunder is obvious STAB plus the rain bonus accuracy. Shadow Ball helps take on fellow ghosts (still have to watch out for Misdreavous though). I've tested many HP types on this set, and Ice has been the most succesful so far. I liked Fighting, but that speed point has cost me alot of battles which would normally have tied and given me a better chance to win. I'm thinking about making it Modest and giving it Scarf/Specs so that it can face Misdreavous, but I still need to test it out.
The Lead:
Electrode @ Damp Rock
Ability: Static
Nature: Hasty
EV's: 252 Attack/30 Sp.A/ 228 Speed
-Rain Dance
-Taunt
-Thunder
-Explosion
The basic RD Electrode from Smogon annalysis page. It works great for me, allowing me to get the 8 turns of rain from the very start, unless Taunt is needed to stop utility leads like Uxie. Thunder is obvious STAB, w/ the nice 100 Accuracy due to the rain. It seems to fair pretty well against most other leads in UU, but I have to watch out for Ambipooms Fake Out, since that takes out a great chunck of Electrodes health. I also can't risk Explosion due to the possible switch to ghosts.
Lead Comparison:
Dangerous/Moderate/Little Threat
Rain Dancer/Sleeper:
Roserade @ Damp Rock
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
EV's: 4 HP/252Sp.A/252Speed
-Rain Dance
-Sleep Powder
-Weather Ball
-Grass Knot
My second of three rain dancers on the team. It's great for a majority of jobs from how I've used it. It helps absorb incoming stats problems, takes out Toxic Spikes, brings back another 8 turns of rain after Electrode has Exploded, and can add Sleep if I need it to set up. Grass Knot for STAB, plus it helps bring down those bulky waters that like to come in when I've got the rain up. Weather Ball since it goes to a 100 Base Power Water attack, and gets the boost from the rain. I've caught many fire types that thought they could switch in, and KOed them before they could attack.
Major Wall:
Ludicolo @ Leftovers
Ability: Rain Dish
Nature: Calm
EV's: 252 HP/40 Defense/216 Sp. D
-Substitute
-Ice Beam
-Leech Seed
-Rain Dance
An amazing wall that has severed me very well through it's uses. I've been able to take out many pokemon in one game throught this guy thanks to his many ways to restore HP. I originally couldn't decide between Protect and Sustitute, but I've stopped many attempted Status problems with Substitutes protection. With Rain/Leech Seed/ and Leftovers running, I can make a sub every turn, and still be gainning HP. I'm not so sure about Ice Beam though, since I'm pretty well walled by bulky waters who try to stall against me. I've never beaten a Milotic through this set, so I may switch to Energy Ball (if it gets it), for STAB plus coverage.
Second Wall:
Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP/ 100 Attack/ 156 Sp. Defense.
-Stealth Rock
-Thunderwave
-Earthquake
-Iron Head
A wall I just added recently to my team. I originally had a Cloyster here to use Rapid Spin, but it never got the job done, and only added to my weaknesses. Registeel allows me to set up Stealth Rock when needed, which holds Moltres at bay from trying to take out Ludicolo and Roserade, which gives them more freedom. Thunderwave adds Paralysis, which I've needed in the case that the rain ends in the middle of Kabutops' sweep. It's also allowed Iron Head to get random flinches here or there, but I'm considering switching it out for either Rock Slide or Return. Rock Slide can help keep out those fliers, who will already be weakend from the SR damage that they have taken aswell. Return gives a strong move that will help cover the pokemon that avoide EQ either through Levitate or that fly. I'm not so sure if I will keep him though, so anyone you see that can do better, it'd be very much appreciated.
The Physcial Sweeper:
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
EV's: 4 HP/252 Attack/252 Speed
-Swords Dance
-Waterfall
-Stone Edge
-Brick Break
The main sweeper on this team. If I can get him set up the turn after rain is brought onto the field, this guy is nearlly impossible to stop. It gets the lovely speed boost thanks to Swift Swim, and Life Orb adds a great amount of power. SD is pretty self-explanitor. Come in on an attack you can resist and force a switch. Set-up, and start owning. Waterfall gets a great boost with LO+Rain+STAB+Possible SD. Stone Edge is for great STAB, and takes on fliers who aren't hit for SE damage from either of the other two. The critical hit chances helps out alot aswell. I put Brick Break on here since I was constantly being walled by Chansey and Registeel. This has easily brought those walls down, taking off some of the presurre from the special sweepers. Brick Break can probably be swapped with another good move, so ideas here would help. I didn't like X-Scissor here. Maybe Aqua Jet to allow him to revenge kill quickly.
The Special Sweeper:
Rotom @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP/252 Sp. Attack/252 Speed
-Thunder
-Shadow Ball
-HP Ice 70
-Trick
A newer addition to the team along with Registeel. I originally had a special Sceptile here in it's place, but just like Clyoster, added more weaknesses than coverage. Rotom is my go-to guy for all imcoming Ground/Fighting/Normal attacks. It goes great with Electrode after rain is up, since most leads I've faced have carried Earthquake, which gives me a free switch in, and possibly break a Physcial sweeper with Trick. Thunder is obvious STAB plus the rain bonus accuracy. Shadow Ball helps take on fellow ghosts (still have to watch out for Misdreavous though). I've tested many HP types on this set, and Ice has been the most succesful so far. I liked Fighting, but that speed point has cost me alot of battles which would normally have tied and given me a better chance to win. I'm thinking about making it Modest and giving it Scarf/Specs so that it can face Misdreavous, but I still need to test it out.
Thought Process:
I first decided on using a Rain Dance team, so I need something fast. Something that can get rain in quickly, and help grab some KOs with it. I looked around, and Electrode went great in here for my lead position.
Okay, that's ONE way to bring in the rain. Once he's gone, I need another way to bring it in. Something who can also induce Status. With Static on Electrode, I've gotten Paralysis covered. Roserade was able to that, absord other Status, and take away the dread Toxic Spikes. It's in.
Now I've got two ways to bring in the rain. But both of these guys aren't that great at staying alive too long, so I need something that has bulk, and can constantly keep it's HP high. With Rain Dish and Leech Seed, it was an easy choice to make.
Okay, I've got 3 ways to bring in the rain. I've got that covered. Time to set up my offense. Something that has amazing power, and can get great coverage. I looked through the UU/NU teir, and Kabutops was a no-brainer. Swift Swim meant i didn't have to worry about speed too much, and the attack stat was already high, without LO or SD.
Now I've covered those Special walls, but these Physcial walls won't budge. I need something who can avoide some of these SE hits from my team, who can stop the ever so common EQ. Rotom blocks Fighting from Kabutops, Ground for Electrode, and strong Normal type attacks. Plus, it can mess with alot of Physical Sweepers with Trick. Five Down, one to go.
Okay, Ambipom leads are EVIL! Fake out leaves Electrode only being able to set up rain before it goes down. I need it to be able to dish out damage. Rotom is hit for SE from Fake Out, and everyone else doesn't do too much to stop it. I need a Steel type who can get me some type of passive damage. Looked around, and Registeel made an amazing defensive wall.
I first decided on using a Rain Dance team, so I need something fast. Something that can get rain in quickly, and help grab some KOs with it. I looked around, and Electrode went great in here for my lead position.
Okay, that's ONE way to bring in the rain. Once he's gone, I need another way to bring it in. Something who can also induce Status. With Static on Electrode, I've gotten Paralysis covered. Roserade was able to that, absord other Status, and take away the dread Toxic Spikes. It's in.
Now I've got two ways to bring in the rain. But both of these guys aren't that great at staying alive too long, so I need something that has bulk, and can constantly keep it's HP high. With Rain Dish and Leech Seed, it was an easy choice to make.
Okay, I've got 3 ways to bring in the rain. I've got that covered. Time to set up my offense. Something that has amazing power, and can get great coverage. I looked through the UU/NU teir, and Kabutops was a no-brainer. Swift Swim meant i didn't have to worry about speed too much, and the attack stat was already high, without LO or SD.
Now I've covered those Special walls, but these Physcial walls won't budge. I need something who can avoide some of these SE hits from my team, who can stop the ever so common EQ. Rotom blocks Fighting from Kabutops, Ground for Electrode, and strong Normal type attacks. Plus, it can mess with alot of Physical Sweepers with Trick. Five Down, one to go.
Okay, Ambipom leads are EVIL! Fake out leaves Electrode only being able to set up rain before it goes down. I need it to be able to dish out damage. Rotom is hit for SE from Fake Out, and everyone else doesn't do too much to stop it. I need a Steel type who can get me some type of passive damage. Looked around, and Registeel made an amazing defensive wall.
Credit to Pokemon Elite 200 for the images.
