Introduction
I've been playing pokemon for nearly my whole life, but only just recently have I discovered the world of competitive battling in this type of environment. I may not be as experienced as most of the people here, but I feel like I've familiarized myself fairly well. This team is based off of the team made in Diamond, but I've made some changes with it over time to better combat the types of pokemon seen in OU, and so far has been fairly successful.
A First Look
The Team Details
Crest (Swampert) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
Nature: Relaxed (+Defence, -Speed)
EVs: 252 HP/ 252 Defence/ 4 Speed
-Stealth Rock
-Ice Beam
-Earthquake
-Roar
I chose Swampert as my lead for a few good reasons. He gets off Stealth Rock, which is pretty useful in the OU environment. He also has a great type combination, and bolsters STAB Earthquake and Ice beam, getting some good type coverage. Roar helps send away unwanted pokemon, especially those who try and set up against him. 4 EVs in Speed puts it a tad faster than other Swamperts of the same kind, allowing Roar to be used and prevent Stealth Rock, putting up its own if it is safe to. I previously had Surf in place of Roar at first, but I never found much use for it, so I replaced it with Roar and was much more content about it. I have also experimented with another build for Swampert, and would like some feedback on that as well.
Nature: Timid (+Speed, -Attack)
EVs: 4 Attack/ 252 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
@ Choice Scarf
Stone Edge
Ice Beam
Earthquake
Surf
This set serves moreso as an anti-lead, easily taking on most other leads such as Aerodactyl and Azelf, completely ignoring taunts and the usual trick as free damage towards the opponent, and sometimes preventing Stealth Rock from being set up (Which is great for some of the other team members who really hate it). Unfortunately, this leaves the team without Stealth Rock support as well. Ice Beam and Earthquake serve the same purpose, Surf gives a powerful STAB move, and Stone Edge is great against Gyarados. This set also helps later in the battle, outrunning almost anyone without a scarf or a plus to speed to get in some extra damage or finishers.
Tempest (Salamence) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack)
EVs: 4 HP/ 252 Special Attack/ 252 Speed
-Draco Meteor
-Dragon Pulse
-Flamethrower
-Hydro Pump
The "Specs-mence" set is something I've fallen in love with. Salamence has great stats, and has a powerful Special attack pool. Draco Meteor is fast and deadly, though is a little less accurate, and brings down your Special Attack, so is not as good for sweeping purposes. Dragon Pulse is a more reliable STAB attack, and has great neutral coverage. Flamethrower is great for dealing with Scizor, Skarmory, and any others who are susceptible to it. Hydro Pump has great base damage and improves Salamence's type coverage. What I like most is the surprise factor, most people expecting a physical based Salamence and paying for it.
Xian (Weavile) @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack)
EVs: 40 HP/ 252 Attack/ 216 Speed
-Brick Break
-Ice Punch
-Ice Shard
-Pursuit
Weavile is one of my favorite pokemon, and is an excellent revenge killer. Choice Band gives the attacks some extra power, getting either OHKOs or 2HKOs on a great deal of pokemon. Ice punch is the most powerful attack, and gets great type coverage. Ice Shard makes sure to get the first hit in, no matter the speed of the opponent. Pursuit is powerful being physical and a STAB move, and works great on any ghost pokemon and Blissys who switch out at being scared of a Brick Break. Which brings us to the last move, having a good base attack power and also having great type coverage. Probably the worse thing about Weavile is that 25% Stealth Rock weakness, an ailment shared with Salamence.
Alloy (Metagross) @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Adamant(+Attack, -Special Attack)
EVs: 152 HP/ 104 Speed/ 252 Attack
-Agility
-Meteor Mash
-Earthquake
-Explosion
Metagross is not only an offensive powerhouse, but with lots of resistances and good defences, donates the title of "Tank". Most "Tanks" carry the connotation of being slow or burly, but this tank has an ace up its sleeve. Agility rounds off this burly beast with speed that exceeds any who aren't scarfed or have a plus to speed. Meteor Mash is a powerful STAB move with lots of neutral hits(The accuracy can be a pain sometimes), and Earthquake has both base attack and type coverage in its favor. Explosion makes sure to finish off with a bang, almost always getting a kill, and is especially useful at taking out trouble pokemon when the chance presents itself.
Conductor (Electivire) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Motor Drive
Nature: Mild(+Special Attack, -Defence)
EVs: 32 Attack/ 220 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
-Brick Break
-Thunderbolt
-Flamethrower
-Hidden Power (Ice)
Dusclops use to occupy this position, and had his uses, but I didn't feel like I was really getting the bang out of my buck with him on this team. That's where I decided to try out someone else. With the best type coverage out of the entire team, and good offensive stats to boot, Electivire has been a great asset. Expert Belt compliments the wonderful super-effective hits given by Electivire, and also keeps him flexible to tackle a variety of threats. Switching in on a predicted electric attack activates Motor Drive and kicks sweeping into gear. Thunderbolt and Hidden Power (Ice) completes the fabled Boltbeam combo, with Brick Break getting some great extra type coverage, and Flamethrower is great for taking out Scizor if Salamence happens to be down for the count.
Torch(Infernape) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Blaze
Nature: Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack)
EVs: 64 HP/ 194 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
-Flamethrower
-Grass Knot
-Vacuum Wave
-Nasty Plot
This is another slot in my team who's seen their fair share of members as well. Both Heracross and Starmie were tried, but neither seemed to be getting much use, which is where I had to discern my problem. Probably the largest threat to my team was dealing with Swampert. Grass Knot puts a quick OHKO on Swamperts, unless they have invested in Special Defence EVs, and even then can finish one off after a bit of damage. Flamethrower is a powerful stab move, and Vacuum Wave is a STAB priority move, easily threatening a sweep after a Nasty Plot or two.
The Team Details
Crest (Swampert) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
Nature: Relaxed (+Defence, -Speed)
EVs: 252 HP/ 252 Defence/ 4 Speed
-Stealth Rock
-Ice Beam
-Earthquake
-Roar
I chose Swampert as my lead for a few good reasons. He gets off Stealth Rock, which is pretty useful in the OU environment. He also has a great type combination, and bolsters STAB Earthquake and Ice beam, getting some good type coverage. Roar helps send away unwanted pokemon, especially those who try and set up against him. 4 EVs in Speed puts it a tad faster than other Swamperts of the same kind, allowing Roar to be used and prevent Stealth Rock, putting up its own if it is safe to. I previously had Surf in place of Roar at first, but I never found much use for it, so I replaced it with Roar and was much more content about it. I have also experimented with another build for Swampert, and would like some feedback on that as well.
Nature: Timid (+Speed, -Attack)
EVs: 4 Attack/ 252 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
@ Choice Scarf
Stone Edge
Ice Beam
Earthquake
Surf
This set serves moreso as an anti-lead, easily taking on most other leads such as Aerodactyl and Azelf, completely ignoring taunts and the usual trick as free damage towards the opponent, and sometimes preventing Stealth Rock from being set up (Which is great for some of the other team members who really hate it). Unfortunately, this leaves the team without Stealth Rock support as well. Ice Beam and Earthquake serve the same purpose, Surf gives a powerful STAB move, and Stone Edge is great against Gyarados. This set also helps later in the battle, outrunning almost anyone without a scarf or a plus to speed to get in some extra damage or finishers.
Tempest (Salamence) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack)
EVs: 4 HP/ 252 Special Attack/ 252 Speed
-Draco Meteor
-Dragon Pulse
-Flamethrower
-Hydro Pump
The "Specs-mence" set is something I've fallen in love with. Salamence has great stats, and has a powerful Special attack pool. Draco Meteor is fast and deadly, though is a little less accurate, and brings down your Special Attack, so is not as good for sweeping purposes. Dragon Pulse is a more reliable STAB attack, and has great neutral coverage. Flamethrower is great for dealing with Scizor, Skarmory, and any others who are susceptible to it. Hydro Pump has great base damage and improves Salamence's type coverage. What I like most is the surprise factor, most people expecting a physical based Salamence and paying for it.
Xian (Weavile) @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
Nature: Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack)
EVs: 40 HP/ 252 Attack/ 216 Speed
-Brick Break
-Ice Punch
-Ice Shard
-Pursuit
Weavile is one of my favorite pokemon, and is an excellent revenge killer. Choice Band gives the attacks some extra power, getting either OHKOs or 2HKOs on a great deal of pokemon. Ice punch is the most powerful attack, and gets great type coverage. Ice Shard makes sure to get the first hit in, no matter the speed of the opponent. Pursuit is powerful being physical and a STAB move, and works great on any ghost pokemon and Blissys who switch out at being scared of a Brick Break. Which brings us to the last move, having a good base attack power and also having great type coverage. Probably the worse thing about Weavile is that 25% Stealth Rock weakness, an ailment shared with Salamence.
Alloy (Metagross) @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Adamant(+Attack, -Special Attack)
EVs: 152 HP/ 104 Speed/ 252 Attack
-Agility
-Meteor Mash
-Earthquake
-Explosion
Metagross is not only an offensive powerhouse, but with lots of resistances and good defences, donates the title of "Tank". Most "Tanks" carry the connotation of being slow or burly, but this tank has an ace up its sleeve. Agility rounds off this burly beast with speed that exceeds any who aren't scarfed or have a plus to speed. Meteor Mash is a powerful STAB move with lots of neutral hits(The accuracy can be a pain sometimes), and Earthquake has both base attack and type coverage in its favor. Explosion makes sure to finish off with a bang, almost always getting a kill, and is especially useful at taking out trouble pokemon when the chance presents itself.
Conductor (Electivire) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Motor Drive
Nature: Mild(+Special Attack, -Defence)
EVs: 32 Attack/ 220 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
-Brick Break
-Thunderbolt
-Flamethrower
-Hidden Power (Ice)
Dusclops use to occupy this position, and had his uses, but I didn't feel like I was really getting the bang out of my buck with him on this team. That's where I decided to try out someone else. With the best type coverage out of the entire team, and good offensive stats to boot, Electivire has been a great asset. Expert Belt compliments the wonderful super-effective hits given by Electivire, and also keeps him flexible to tackle a variety of threats. Switching in on a predicted electric attack activates Motor Drive and kicks sweeping into gear. Thunderbolt and Hidden Power (Ice) completes the fabled Boltbeam combo, with Brick Break getting some great extra type coverage, and Flamethrower is great for taking out Scizor if Salamence happens to be down for the count.
Torch(Infernape) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Blaze
Nature: Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack)
EVs: 64 HP/ 194 Speed/ 252 Special Attack
-Flamethrower
-Grass Knot
-Vacuum Wave
-Nasty Plot
This is another slot in my team who's seen their fair share of members as well. Both Heracross and Starmie were tried, but neither seemed to be getting much use, which is where I had to discern my problem. Probably the largest threat to my team was dealing with Swampert. Grass Knot puts a quick OHKO on Swamperts, unless they have invested in Special Defence EVs, and even then can finish one off after a bit of damage. Flamethrower is a powerful stab move, and Vacuum Wave is a STAB priority move, easily threatening a sweep after a Nasty Plot or two.
Offensive and Defensive threats
Azelf: Usually lets me set Stealth Rock, then I send in Weavile to Pursuit it to death. Explosion is annoying, but not much of an impact.
Blissy: Weavile can take care of Blissy with Pursuit, dealing heavy damage, especially if they're on the switch out.
Breloom: I do not like Breloom. Well, at least the one that uses Spore and Focus Punch behind a substitute. Deals heavy damage to my team, but usually can be dealt with if their substitute is down. Otherwise, Salamence, Electivire, and Infernape are all well equipped to deal with the threat.
Bronzong: The worst thing that can happen from a Bronzong is getting hypnotized, but is usually too slow to use it, and can be rid of with any of the pokemon carrying fire type moves.
Celebi: Not much problem, considering the amount of weaknesses that it carries. All but Swampert can put up a good fight, and Electivire can sometimes get in on a Thunder Wave and activate Motor Drive.
Cradily: Metagross can set agility up against it, and start pummeling Cradily with Meteor Mash for lots of damage.
Cresselia: Weavile can switch in pretty safely, and start using Pursuit. Successful predict of Thunder Wave can be good for Electivire.
Crobat: Doesn't pack much power, but Hypnosis can be very irritating. Electivire and Weavile can usually deal with it, and Ice Shard is loved.
Donphan: Swampert can wall it and use Ice Beams, without much fear.
Drapion: Metagross can switch in and use Earthquake, or Salamence can muscle his way through if he's faster.
Dugtrio: Can probably take out Electivire and Infernape, but Weavile or Swampert can get revenge kills
Dusknoir: Infernape can switch in on Will-o-Wisp, using Flamethrower to deal moderate amount of damage. Switch to Salamence if it's carrying Earthquake.
Electivire: Without a Motor Boost, Metagross can quickly take care of it with Earthquake. Swampert can also switch in and use Earthquake safely.
Empoleon: Metagross can use Earthquake on it, and Weavile can usually get a revenge kill on it with Brick Break.
Flygon: In the case of choice items, Earthquake can be switched to Salamence and quickly dispatched with Dragon Pulse, Outrage can go to Metagross and taken care of with Meteor Mash. Weavile can get revenge kills with Ice Shard very easily.
Forretress: Any fire user can easily take out Forretress, preferably one who's already made an appearance in the match
Gengar: Keep Swampert away from it, but otherwise try to muscle through with any pokemon. If they faint, send in Weavile to finish the job with pursuit.
Gliscor: Swampert can switch in and use Ice Beam safely, and Weavile can get revenge kills with Ice Shard.
Gyarados: Send in Swampert and use roar, as to keep it from using Dragon Dance. Electivire can take on other variants fairly easy
Hariyama: This one causes me a lot of trouble. Best bet is to try and power through, especially try to revenge kill with Salamence. Generally, explosion is the best bet here.
Heatran: Swampert and Salamence can deal with it fairly well, and Weavile can get a revenge kill against damaged, non-scarf Heatrans with Brick Break.
Heracross: Infernape and Salamence can outrun and use fire attacks against it, scarf versions can be revenge killed with Weavile.
Hippowdon: Swampert can use Ice Beam to take care of it, and Infernape can use Grass Knot if the opportunity presents itself.
Infernape: Salamence can switch in safely, using Hydro Pump to OHKO
Jirachi: Metagross and Swampert can use Earthquake against it, and can also be set up against by Metagross.
Kingdra: Another problematic pokemon for the team if using a Substitute/Dragon Dance strategy. Best bet is to bring in Salamence and use Dragon Pulse. Swift Swim makes this a bit harder.
Latias: Swampert and Weavile can all take on Latias fairly easily, using ice beam and ice punch respectably.
Lucario: Metagross can come in and set up on it easily, using Earthquake if they decide not to switch.
Ludicolo: Also a problematic pokemon, especially with rain support. Metagross can whittle it down with Meteor Mash, and Weavile can come in for a revenge kill if possible. Explosion can be used if needed.
Machamp: Not good defensively, but can pack quite a punch. Any team member can try and take him on, except Weavile, whom can generally pull off a revenge kill if Machamp is weakened.
Magnezone: Anyone can easily take care of it, barring Weavile, using either fire attacks or Earthquake. Metagross can both set up and dispose of the threat without taking much damage.
Mamoswine: Powerful Earthquakes and Ice Shard can prove to be a large problem, but a Brick Break from Weavile can kill a weakened Mamoswine
Mespirit: Haven't fought one yet, but can probably be dealt with using Pursuit from Weavile fairly well.
Metagross: Salamence can easily take on Metagross, using Flamethrower. Swampert and Infernape also prove useful as well (Infernape moreso if Metagross is weakened and can be taken down in one shot)
Milotic: Mainly Electivire, to use Thunderbolt, but Infernape can use Grass Knot if possible.
Miltank: Infernape, Electivire, and Weavile can use their fighting type moves to dispatch of it. Electivire can get Motor Drive on good prediction and possibly sweep.
Ninjask: The bug can be squashed by any member of the team: Flamethrower, Ice beam, etc. Can Be roared if needed.
Porygon 2: Weavile, Electivire, and Infernape can easily beat down with Fighting type moves.
Porygon-Z: Same as Porygon 2, but should be more weary of switching to the fighting-type move holders.
Regirock: Any team member can take down Regirock, using Ground, Fighting, or Water type moves.
Registeel: Metagross can set up and start using Earthquake, or Fire-move users can switch in for Curse variants.
Rhyperior: Can usually be dealt with by any team member, but best case scenario brings Salamence in on a predicted Earthquake and use Hydro Pump.
Roserade: All team members have super-effective hits against it, except Metagross. Swampert is the only one who can't stand toe to toe with Roserade.
Rotom: Infernape can soak up Will-o-Wisps and deal a good amount of damage with Flamethrower, and Weavile can use Pursuit to quickly KO it.
Salamence: Swampert and Weavile use ice attacks to OHKO Salamence, especially is Stealth Rock is in play.
Scizor: One of the many fire users can take care of Scizor, but after a Swords Dance or two, things can get very messy with Bullet Punch.
Shaymin: Can use Ice or Fire attacks to quickly take care of it, except for Swampert.
Shuckle: Metagross can switch in, set up, and use super-effective Meteor Mash to squash it.
Salamence laughs at it for trying to take his attacks, assuming it's physically based. Skarmory's generally don't cause a problem.
Slaking: Infernape can come in and use Vacuum Wave, possibly setting up if Slaking is, well..slacking..and if Infernape goes down, Weavile can easily finish the job.
Slowbro: Electivire can switch in (Possibly getting motor drive) And start using Thunderbolt without much harm coming its way.
Snorlax: A bit bulky, but can generally be taken down by fighting attacks. Access to Earthquake and Fire Punch make it a problem, though, and may take one out in the process.
Spiritomb: Nothing to really take advantage of, so muscling through with any pokemon works. Infernape can take Will-o-wisps, though, so he is preferable.
Starmi: Starmi's speed can be problematic, but Weavile can outrun and use pursuit to come out on top, if in good enough shape.
Suicune: Well, I just don't like Suicune. I could probably take care of it with Electivire, but I usually just use explosion.
Swampert: Since my Swamperts and others usually meet in the start of battle, I try to use roar and prevent Stealth Rock while quickly setting up my own. Infernape can use Grass Knot and take down a Swampert at near full health who hasn't invested EVs into Special Defence.
Yanmega: Swampert can soak up some hits and send an Ice Beam their way, resulting in a OHKO. Weavile can use Ice Shard to finish the job if needed.
Tentacruel: Metagross can come in and set up safely, since they will almost for certain be using Rapid Spin. Earthquakes can then be used to defeat it.
Togekiss: Swampert, Weavile, and Electivire can use Ice and Electric moves, with Electivire having a chance for activiating Motor Drive.
Tyranitar: Any fighting type move will OHKO, especially Infernape's Vacuum Wave and Weavile's Brick Break.
Umbreon: Infernape can come in and set up Nasty Plot once or twice, without much fear, which will usually start sweeping the opponent's team with Vacuum Wave. Other fighting type moves work as well.
Vaporeon: Electivire most easily takes care of Vaporeon, using Thunderbolt on the weaker Special Defence stat. Salamence and Metagross can generally just muscle their way through if needed.
Walrein: In theory, easily dealt with, but in reality, not so much. Walrein is generally played on hail stall teams, which means that it heals lots of HP every turn, and uses substitutes and protect to keep healthy, and a 100% accuracy STAB blizzard to bring down the pain. Fighting type and Electric type moves are prefered, provided by Weavile, Infernape, and Electivire. Without hail, though, Walrein can be taken down much easier, and any build without substitute can be KO'd easily.
Weavile: Infernape can use Vacuum Wave and OHKO Weavile, along with my own using Brick Break is they are running an Adamant nature.
Infernape can easily switch in and take Will-o-Wisp, retaliating with Flamethrower without taking on much damage.
Zapdos: Sending in Electivire on a predicted Thunderbolt is always good, giving back Hidden Power (Ice) and threatening to sweep . Swampert can also be used on Zapdos carrying Roost, using the opportunity to nail in an Earthquake.
Considerations:
-Running Starmie over Infernape: Has a visible improvement, and will most likely be enforced. (Setsuna.)
-Replacing Choice Band with Life Orb on Weavile: The versatility given is favored, even with slightly less damage and the 10% damage to health. (Setsuna., TheFourthChaser)
-Using Night Slash instead of Ice Punch for Weavile: Has its perks, but the extra damage and coverage from Ice Punch is more welcome. (Setsuna.)
-Using Thunderpunch instead of Explosion for Metagross: An extra attack is useful, but is ultimately lacking that last minute power given by Explosion. (Setsuna.)
-Running speedier EVs on Metagross to outrun scarfed Flygon: I don't really find the extra speed as necessary in tackling a fairly uncommon threat. (Setsuna.)
-Running Rotom-h over Electivire: The replacement has proven to be very useful, though the Electricity immunity will surely be missed (Especially for Thunder Wave). Even so, the trade off is favorable. (TheFourthChaser)
-Running Starmie over Infernape: Has a visible improvement, and will most likely be enforced. (Setsuna.)
-Replacing Choice Band with Life Orb on Weavile: The versatility given is favored, even with slightly less damage and the 10% damage to health. (Setsuna., TheFourthChaser)
-Using Night Slash instead of Ice Punch for Weavile: Has its perks, but the extra damage and coverage from Ice Punch is more welcome. (Setsuna.)
-Using Thunderpunch instead of Explosion for Metagross: An extra attack is useful, but is ultimately lacking that last minute power given by Explosion. (Setsuna.)
-Running speedier EVs on Metagross to outrun scarfed Flygon: I don't really find the extra speed as necessary in tackling a fairly uncommon threat. (Setsuna.)
-Running Rotom-h over Electivire: The replacement has proven to be very useful, though the Electricity immunity will surely be missed (Especially for Thunder Wave). Even so, the trade off is favorable. (TheFourthChaser)
