This team is for the Regional Championships taking place tomorrow (Saturday May16th). Now for those who don't know, the Pokemon VGC Regionals are this Saturday, well at least for California. The rules are somewhat of a pain and are as follows: Doubles, Lv50 and under pokes only (this is to maintain those pokes that are used usually at very low levels i.e. Lv1 Rattata with Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Quick Attack) and therefore although battles will be on Pokemon Battle Revolution the contest Moderators will not be using the Auto Level Cap. This means that pokes such as Tyranitar and Dragonite, that don't evolve until Lv55, are not allowed. Celebi, Shaymin, and Jirachi are banned however Wobbuffet, Garchomp, and Latios are all allowed. This makes for a very strange set of rules and makes for new challenges when putting together a 2v2 team notably. Also Item Clause is in effect so this makes 2+ pokes running Life Orb or Leftovers impossible and poses even bigger problems. The matches are set up with 4 pokes chosen on each team at each matche's start, however you may a full team of 6 to inerchange and swap.
So I will greatly appreciate any suggestions whether they be replacement item/pokes/entire team etc. So without further ado, here goes:
Electivire: Adamant
Ability: Motor Drive
Item: Life Orb
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Thunder Punch
-Ice Punch
-Cross Chop
-Earthquake
Ok pretty basic LOvire set that sacrifices a bit of speed for attack to maximize the damage he puts out. Thunderpunch is to ensure he has a STAB to wreck havok on any bulky water types barring Swampert (I don't expect to see Quagsire or Wishcash) and the chance of Paralysis is a nice treat as well. Ice Punch obviously takes care of any Hippowdon and when predicted, usually scores a OHKO on Garchomp and Flygon unless Garchomp is running Yache Berry. Cross Chop has helped me in several situations including clean-up when my opponent has a Lucario or Blissey remaining and as a high base power move does plently of neutral damage as well. Earthquake? On a doubles team?? Yeah, duh it's the oldest trick in the Doubles Book of Combos but it works. Electivire is meant to be sent out first accompanied by Gengar and the idea is to Tbolt Electivire and start the sweeping; this prevents me from having to do any sort of setting up first turn in case my opponent throws out a standard Aerodactyl lead and after that speed boost from Motor Drive Electivire becomes faster than everything. This combo also does double as Earthquake will not hurt Gengar nor will it touch 2 of my other team members.
Gengar: Timid
Ability: Levitate
Item: Focus Sash/Choice Scarf
EVs: 252 SAtk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Thunderbolt
-Shadowball
-Focus Blast
-HP Fire
This set is designed to do two things which Gengar does very well: out speed other lead (especially when I choose to go with Choice Scarf) and hit hard in the Special department. Even taking into account Hypnosis' new drop in accuracy I still see many people thinking I'm running a lead-sleeper and they try to Taunt me. To their surprise they get hit instead. The idea again is to work in conjunction with Electivire to either A: if my opponent's lead is slower than Gengar even without Choice Scarf, then I T-bolt on Electivire who then leads off with Earthquake or whatever move would cause the most damage taking into account the probability of there being a switch (which since battles take place on PBR there should be no surprises and prediction should be easy). Or B: if the opponent leads with Weavile use Focus Blast, if it's a Bronzong or the now more widly used Metagross then HP Fire is called upon and Shadowball takes care of opposing Gengar. This is where it gets tricky honestly and that's the difference of Metagross setting up Stealth Rock or using Bullet Punch on Gengar in which case Focus Sash would be necessary or Choice Scarf to outrun lead Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Weavile...I'd really appreciate any suggestions here because so far this is the only bump I've run into.
Togekiss: Calm
Ability: Serene Grace
Item: King's Rock (yes it's allowed, only Soul Dew is banned)
EVs: 252 Hp/252 SDef/4 Def
-Thunder Wave
-Air Slash
-Aura Sphere
-Roost
If the strategy behind this set isn't clear then maybe you need glasses; HAX and a lot of it. Togekiss already has great base Hp and SDef stats and with Roost in the picture, he's going to be staying in for a while. Thunder Wave whatever's fastest on my opponent's team and then start Air Slashing and flinch-haxing them. When paired with Electivire the results are devastating. Not only does it allow Evire to freely use Earthquake, but in the event that I choose to use either of the elemental punches or cross chop, another paralysis or freeze and crit are very high probabilities. Once Togekiss has does his job of paralyzing then he can Aura Sphere Lucario, Weavile, or even Skarmory for big hits. Roost again covers any damage taken.
Empoleon: Modest
Ability: Torrent
Item: Petaya Berry
EVs: 12 Hp/232 Spe/252 SAtk
-Agility
-Substitute
-Surf
-Ice Beam
If you're thinking to yourself, "That set doesn't look very original.." it's because it's not and doesn't need to be. In my opinion this is what the penguin king does best and I've yet to be proven wrong. Come in on a predicted switch or any ice attacks aimed at Togekiss after he's paralyized someone and get the Agility boost in right away and start subbinng until Petaya and Torrent activate, then anything short of Mach Punch or Vaccum Wave, which should have already been lured and KOd presumably, will epic fail against this sweeping monster. It's simple, Surf rapes. The EVs allow for Empoleon to outspeed anything at natural speed not holding Choice Scarf and Ice Beam will hospitalize any Salamence, Garchomp, or Flygon.
Salamence: Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
Item: Yache Berry
EVs: 236 Hp/64 Atk/92 Spe/116 SDef
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Fire Blast
-Brick Break
My favorite OU Pocket Monster and a brutal sweeper against just about anything, Salamence gets multiple opportunities to switch in and cause destruction. On top of that he, again, pairs with Electivire or even Gengar to either avoid or dish out an Earthquake (I'm considering replacing Brick Break with it -opinions please^^). He's pretty simple to use when you look at him but, as with all sweepers, requires good prediction to really bring out his full potential. Bring in on something he puts the fear of God in, Dragon Dance on the switch, rape, rinse and repeat. Outrage, while being his best STAB and just an incredible damage dealer to even neutral opponents, is not the main attack used and is rather used as last resort or against an opposing dragon. Brick Break is primarily used here in order to take out the ever plentiful Blissey and Snorlax and after a DD will also outspead and OHKO Weavile and most Mamoswine unless Ice Shard is coming. Fire Blast prevents me from getting completely walled and has done its job more often than not despite its somewhat less than desirably accuracy rating and scores crucial hits on the likes of Bronzong, Metagross, and Skarmory. Yache Berry is there to allows him to take an Ice Beam or, more likely to happen, Ice Shard from Mamoswine. However I have also considered opting for Lum berry to cure paralysis, sleep, burn, or confusion indused from Outrage.
Swampert: Impish
Ability: Torrent
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 Hp/252 Def/4 SDef
-Stealth Rock
-Roar
-Avalance
-Earthquake
Yet another poke working in tandem with several other team members, Swampert is the SR layer of the group and takes hits like a mother. When foreseeable electric attack are on their way he comes in to deflect it. Stealth Rock on the switch and then either take a hit (provided it is "knot" a grass move) and either Avalanche for revenge damage or start Roaring. Earthquake is there to provide STAB but sees little use unless I have a SpecsJolt locked into Thunderbolt or something similar in which case intelligent opponents switch out. Of all the members of my team Swampert is the one I am most concerned about. He either needs a move switched out or he should be, but he provides perfect type coverage. Were this Championship 6v6 as opposed to 4v4 then he would be immaculate as is.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my team and I greatly appreciate any educated suggestions and improvements.
So I will greatly appreciate any suggestions whether they be replacement item/pokes/entire team etc. So without further ado, here goes:
Electivire: Adamant
Ability: Motor Drive
Item: Life Orb
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Thunder Punch
-Ice Punch
-Cross Chop
-Earthquake
Ok pretty basic LOvire set that sacrifices a bit of speed for attack to maximize the damage he puts out. Thunderpunch is to ensure he has a STAB to wreck havok on any bulky water types barring Swampert (I don't expect to see Quagsire or Wishcash) and the chance of Paralysis is a nice treat as well. Ice Punch obviously takes care of any Hippowdon and when predicted, usually scores a OHKO on Garchomp and Flygon unless Garchomp is running Yache Berry. Cross Chop has helped me in several situations including clean-up when my opponent has a Lucario or Blissey remaining and as a high base power move does plently of neutral damage as well. Earthquake? On a doubles team?? Yeah, duh it's the oldest trick in the Doubles Book of Combos but it works. Electivire is meant to be sent out first accompanied by Gengar and the idea is to Tbolt Electivire and start the sweeping; this prevents me from having to do any sort of setting up first turn in case my opponent throws out a standard Aerodactyl lead and after that speed boost from Motor Drive Electivire becomes faster than everything. This combo also does double as Earthquake will not hurt Gengar nor will it touch 2 of my other team members.
Gengar: Timid
Ability: Levitate
Item: Focus Sash/Choice Scarf
EVs: 252 SAtk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Thunderbolt
-Shadowball
-Focus Blast
-HP Fire
This set is designed to do two things which Gengar does very well: out speed other lead (especially when I choose to go with Choice Scarf) and hit hard in the Special department. Even taking into account Hypnosis' new drop in accuracy I still see many people thinking I'm running a lead-sleeper and they try to Taunt me. To their surprise they get hit instead. The idea again is to work in conjunction with Electivire to either A: if my opponent's lead is slower than Gengar even without Choice Scarf, then I T-bolt on Electivire who then leads off with Earthquake or whatever move would cause the most damage taking into account the probability of there being a switch (which since battles take place on PBR there should be no surprises and prediction should be easy). Or B: if the opponent leads with Weavile use Focus Blast, if it's a Bronzong or the now more widly used Metagross then HP Fire is called upon and Shadowball takes care of opposing Gengar. This is where it gets tricky honestly and that's the difference of Metagross setting up Stealth Rock or using Bullet Punch on Gengar in which case Focus Sash would be necessary or Choice Scarf to outrun lead Jolteon, Aerodactyl, and Weavile...I'd really appreciate any suggestions here because so far this is the only bump I've run into.
Togekiss: Calm
Ability: Serene Grace
Item: King's Rock (yes it's allowed, only Soul Dew is banned)
EVs: 252 Hp/252 SDef/4 Def
-Thunder Wave
-Air Slash
-Aura Sphere
-Roost
If the strategy behind this set isn't clear then maybe you need glasses; HAX and a lot of it. Togekiss already has great base Hp and SDef stats and with Roost in the picture, he's going to be staying in for a while. Thunder Wave whatever's fastest on my opponent's team and then start Air Slashing and flinch-haxing them. When paired with Electivire the results are devastating. Not only does it allow Evire to freely use Earthquake, but in the event that I choose to use either of the elemental punches or cross chop, another paralysis or freeze and crit are very high probabilities. Once Togekiss has does his job of paralyzing then he can Aura Sphere Lucario, Weavile, or even Skarmory for big hits. Roost again covers any damage taken.
Empoleon: Modest
Ability: Torrent
Item: Petaya Berry
EVs: 12 Hp/232 Spe/252 SAtk
-Agility
-Substitute
-Surf
-Ice Beam
If you're thinking to yourself, "That set doesn't look very original.." it's because it's not and doesn't need to be. In my opinion this is what the penguin king does best and I've yet to be proven wrong. Come in on a predicted switch or any ice attacks aimed at Togekiss after he's paralyized someone and get the Agility boost in right away and start subbinng until Petaya and Torrent activate, then anything short of Mach Punch or Vaccum Wave, which should have already been lured and KOd presumably, will epic fail against this sweeping monster. It's simple, Surf rapes. The EVs allow for Empoleon to outspeed anything at natural speed not holding Choice Scarf and Ice Beam will hospitalize any Salamence, Garchomp, or Flygon.
Salamence: Adamant
Ability: Intimidate
Item: Yache Berry
EVs: 236 Hp/64 Atk/92 Spe/116 SDef
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Fire Blast
-Brick Break
My favorite OU Pocket Monster and a brutal sweeper against just about anything, Salamence gets multiple opportunities to switch in and cause destruction. On top of that he, again, pairs with Electivire or even Gengar to either avoid or dish out an Earthquake (I'm considering replacing Brick Break with it -opinions please^^). He's pretty simple to use when you look at him but, as with all sweepers, requires good prediction to really bring out his full potential. Bring in on something he puts the fear of God in, Dragon Dance on the switch, rape, rinse and repeat. Outrage, while being his best STAB and just an incredible damage dealer to even neutral opponents, is not the main attack used and is rather used as last resort or against an opposing dragon. Brick Break is primarily used here in order to take out the ever plentiful Blissey and Snorlax and after a DD will also outspead and OHKO Weavile and most Mamoswine unless Ice Shard is coming. Fire Blast prevents me from getting completely walled and has done its job more often than not despite its somewhat less than desirably accuracy rating and scores crucial hits on the likes of Bronzong, Metagross, and Skarmory. Yache Berry is there to allows him to take an Ice Beam or, more likely to happen, Ice Shard from Mamoswine. However I have also considered opting for Lum berry to cure paralysis, sleep, burn, or confusion indused from Outrage.
Swampert: Impish
Ability: Torrent
Item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 Hp/252 Def/4 SDef
-Stealth Rock
-Roar
-Avalance
-Earthquake
Yet another poke working in tandem with several other team members, Swampert is the SR layer of the group and takes hits like a mother. When foreseeable electric attack are on their way he comes in to deflect it. Stealth Rock on the switch and then either take a hit (provided it is "knot" a grass move) and either Avalanche for revenge damage or start Roaring. Earthquake is there to provide STAB but sees little use unless I have a SpecsJolt locked into Thunderbolt or something similar in which case intelligent opponents switch out. Of all the members of my team Swampert is the one I am most concerned about. He either needs a move switched out or he should be, but he provides perfect type coverage. Were this Championship 6v6 as opposed to 4v4 then he would be immaculate as is.
Thanks for taking the time to check out my team and I greatly appreciate any educated suggestions and improvements.