My Very First Team

RoNNoC

Sup guys, you can call me RoNNoC. I'm in the midst of making my first team, I've been playing Pokemon for about.. 14 years? Somewhere in there. I never even really knew about the competitive side until I found some Wi-Fi videos and took a look at the methodical side. So I'm gonna give it my best shot, even though its most likely going to be awful. I'm very, very open to criticism so long as its constructive. So, without further adieu, let me introduce my first team.​




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Terrakion @ Rock Gem
Trait: Justified
EV's: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly (+Spe, -SpA)
Move set:
~ Substitute
~ Swords Dance
~ Close Combat
~ Stone Edge

I don't really have a lead, so Terrakion is usually my guy. Since Terrakion is generally taken out by either revenge kill, or annoying status attacks like Toxic, Thunderwave or Will-o-Wisp, Substitute allows me to avoid that and keep him in the game longer. Close Combat and Stone Edge are two great STAB attacks, and Swords Dance only makes them better. I can not only substitute and block status attacks, but while my opponent is trying to break the substitute I can SD up, and take out even the most potent counters to Terrakion.




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Infernape (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Blaze
EV's: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Naive (+Spe, -SpD)
Move Set:
~ Overheat
~ Close Combat
~ Grass Knot
~ Stone Edge

Another fighting type, but with Overheat being as strong as it is, with Infernapes STAB, it serves as another useful member of the team. Mixed Attacker was my first choice, Close Combat combined with Life Orb breaks the walls, while Overheat dishes out as much damage in one hit as possible. Grass Knot works well on those Bulky Ground/Water Switch Ins, and Stone Edge is pretty essential for Gyrados, trying to switch in for a Waterfall.




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Scizor @ Life Orb
Trait: Technician
EV's: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
Move Set:
~ Swords Dance
~ Bullet Punch
~ Brick Break
~ Bug Bite

A tried and true sweeper, I feel that Scizor is a nice fit for the rest of the team. A SD boost, matched by Technician and Life Orb make Bullet Punch insanely strong, OHKOing many of the offensive threats that I've seen. Bug Bite wreaks havoc on bulky ground types or anything that doesn't resist it. Brick Break would be superpower if I had an older gen Scizor, but I don't, and instead I use brick break to shut down many of the counters to Scizor looking to stop in mid-sweep and slow me down. A boosted BB does nice damage to Skarmory, Heatran and the even so common Magnezone looking to trap me in.




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Starmie @ Choice Spec
Trait: Natural Cure
EV's: 4 HP/ 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
Move Set:
~ Surf
~ Rapid Spin
~ Thunderbolt
~ Recovery

Somewhat of a special sweeper, not exactly something I'm looking to keep as a permanent member of my team. I use surf over hydro cannon simply for reliability. Rapid spin to get rid of stealth rocks and any other entry hazard, opening up a switch. Thunderbolt is sometimes unexpected against other water-types, as people think you're switching into something that resist it, and doesn't have a special attack that could take on a bulky, and annoying, Jellicient. Recovery is just to buy some time, gauge whats coming next or force a switch.



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Reuniclus @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Guard
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
Move Set:
~ Calm Mind
~ Recover
~ Psychic
~ Focus Blast

Hands down, Reuniclus is my favorite new mon. This Calm Mind set up runs incredibly, and many people expect a trick room for some reason. His walling ability allows you to get atleast one Calm Mind off on anything that isn't super effective or crit, then a recover to make sure you're safe to plow through the other team with Psychic. Dark types that try to come in to counter Reuniclus get hit with a Focus Blast that is 8/10 times a OHKO. There is very little that can stand up to Reuniclus, and anything that does get to deal with Infernape.



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Salamence @ Life Orb
Trait: Moxie
EV's: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Naive (+Spe, -SpD)
Move Set:
~ Dragon Dance
~ Dragon Claw
~ Earthquake
~ Fire Blast

Looking back on this team after writing the majority of this, I realize now just how offensive it is. Salamence keeps that flame alive, Dragon Dance raises her a full stage in speed and attack, making her not only even more powerful, but also harder to revenge kill. I also run Dragon Claw over Outrage to prevent a revenge kill even more. Earthquake runs nice with everything else on this set, doing a decent amount of damage on anything that doesn't resist it, and Fire Blast is for neutrality, running damage control on any steel types that poke in trying to get a resist on earthquake.


Again, I'm totally open for criticism. I'm actually hoping for some good ideas to make some changes. So, what do you guys think?
 
Oh my god yes, FINALLY a team with not many common weaknesses. I think its pretty good, but I would put another/different attack move on reuniclus, it cant do anything against the commonly used sablye(might be misspelled).
 
GARCHOMPZILLA said:
Oh my god yes, FINALLY a team with not many common weaknesses. I think its pretty good, but I would put another/different attack move on reuniclus, it cant do anything against the commonly used sablye(might be misspelled).
Click to expand...

I'm gonna be honest, I'm kind of shocked that you think its good. Its my very first attempt at making a team, and I greatly appreciate it.

What would you recommend as far as another attack? Sableye doesn't have very many counters it seems.
 
Wow, this is your first ever team? Mine consisted of a hidden power dark 'Mence lol. The team looks really good, the only thing is that leftovers is better than rock gem on Terrakion. Feel free to argue with me about the advantages rock gem has over lefties. Starmie also might want trick to mess with stall? Also, Grass knot is a good move on Infernape, but you have no SpA evs, so maybe try out u-turn? Infernape is well known for using u-turn and can help you kill things while switching to a reliable counter. Hope you like my suggestions and welcome to Smogon!
 
An excellent first team, I applaud you. I propose a few modifications. All teams need entry hazards, so you need Stealth Rocks. I suggest a Specially Defensive Heatran to replace Infernape. It provides you with vital Stealth Rocks and phazing, as well as a defensive poke to take big hits. Following our path, a Dragonite at +1 will rampage through your team. As a consequence, I propose slapping a Scarf on Salamence giving yourself a ScarfMoxieMence. Now, I believe you have too many set-up sweepers. I am going to say replace Terrakion with a poke that will synergize well with your current team: a Dual Screens Virizion. This poke, though unusual, covers your large weakness to Water and Ground types, while providing screens to allow Scizor to set up. All in all, a good team. Hope I helped.

Summary of Changes:
Heatran > Infernape
Virizion > Terrakion
Change Salamence to Scarf Variant
Sets:

Heatran @Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 100 Spe
Nature: Calm
-Stealth Rock
-Roar
-Lava Plume
-Earth Power/Hidden Power Ice

Virizion @Leftovers
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Leaf Blade
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Close Combat

Salamence @Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Outrage
-Earthquake
-Fire Blast
-Brick Break/Stone Edge
 
ThunderBlunder said:
Wow, this is your first ever team? Mine consisted of a hidden power dark 'Mence lol. The team looks really good, the only thing is that leftovers is better than rock gem on Terrakion. Feel free to argue with me about the advantages rock gem has over lefties. Starmie also might want trick to mess with stall? Also, Grass knot is a good move on Infernape, but you have no SpA evs, so maybe try out u-turn? Infernape is well known for using u-turn and can help you kill things while switching to a reliable counter. Hope you like my suggestions and welcome to Smogon!
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Very first ever, I did some reading before I went out and tried to throw my hat in the arena, and it seems to have done pretty well. I'll definitely give him Starmie Trick, just gotta figure out how to do that, lol. You're also right about U-Turn, which I'll also try. I wasn't overly sure about Rock Gem to begin with and I suppose it would make a lot more sense to run Lefties with Sub. I appreciate the feedback! And thank you!




Dcae said:
An excellent first team, I applaud you. I propose a few modifications. All teams need entry hazards, so you need Stealth Rocks. I suggest a Specially Defensive Heatran to replace Infernape. It provides you with vital Stealth Rocks and phazing, as well as a defensive poke to take big hits. Following our path, a Dragonite at +1 will rampage through your team. As a consequence, I propose slapping a Scarf on Salamence giving yourself a ScarfMoxieMence. Now, I believe you have too many set-up sweepers. I am going to say replace Terrakion with a poke that will synergize well with your current team: a Dual Screens Virizion. This poke, though unusual, covers your large weakness to Water and Ground types, while providing screens to allow Scizor to set up. All in all, a good team. Hope I helped.

Summary of Changes:
Heatran > Infernape
Virizion > Terrakion
Change Salamence to Scarf Variant
Sets:

Heatran @Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 100 Spe
Nature: Calm
-Stealth Rock
-Roar
-Lava Plume
-Earth Power/Hidden Power Ice

Virizion @Leftovers
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Leaf Blade
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Close Combat

Salamence @Choice Scarf
Trait: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Naive
-Outrage
-Earthquake
-Fire Blast
-Brick Break/Stone Edge
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Thank you. I definitely noticed that I would have a weakness with water, which was something I was concerned about. Virizion seems like it would definitely plug that hole, and Heatran wasn't something I'd even thought about. I didn't figure I'd need entry hazards, but if they're something that is gonna make the difference then I'll definitely give him a try. Same with the Scarf on Salamence. I appreciate the feedback greatly.


Keep it comin' guys!
 
Definitely use LO Heatran over Infernape as sun teams decimate your team. Try using the offensive Rapid Spin Starmie set over your current variant as although Choice Specs Starmie is powerful, it doesn't have much utility and to be honest, you could use the Rapid Spin support as multiple entry hazards will make quick work of your team. Additionally, switch out Terrakion for a Bulk Up Breloom which patches up your weakness to Volt-Turn teams while also giving you a solid wallbreaker; you won't miss Terrakion as it's main job, stopping Volcarona, is now being fulfilled by Heatran. 4 set-up sweepers on a team like this doesn't seem like a good idea; use a CB Scizor instead of your SD variant as it'll help you take down Pokemon like Haxorus after it has set up, while also helping build momentum through U-turn. Lastly use Intimidate over Moxie on Salamence as it'll allow you to set up easier while also allowing you to use Outrage, a much more powerful alternative to Dragon Claw, on the set.

Changes in Short

  • LO Heatran over Infernape
  • Rapid Spin Starmie over current variant
  • Bulk Up Breloom over Terrakion
  • Intimidate + Outrage over Moxie + Dragon Claw on Salamence
 
Aerrow said:
Definitely use LO Heatran over Infernape as sun teams decimate your team. Try using the offensive Rapid Spin Starmie set over your current variant as although Choice Specs Starmie is powerful, it doesn't have much utility and to be honest, you could use the Rapid Spin support as multiple entry hazards will make quick work of your team. Additionally, switch out Terrakion for a Bulk Up Breloom which patches up your weakness to Volt-Turn teams while also giving you a solid wallbreaker; you won't miss Terrakion as it's main job, stopping Volcarona, is now being fulfilled by Heatran. 4 set-up sweepers on a team like this doesn't seem like a good idea; use a CB Scizor instead of your SD variant as it'll help you take down Pokemon like Haxorus after it has set up, while also helping build momentum through U-turn. Lastly use Intimidate over Moxie on Salamence as it'll allow you to set up easier while also allowing you to use Outrage, a much more powerful alternative to Dragon Claw, on the set.

Changes in Short

  • LO Heatran over Infernape
  • Rapid Spin Starmie over current variant
  • Bulk Up Breloom over Terrakion
  • Intimidate + Outrage over Moxie + Dragon Claw on Salamence
Click to expand...

Just put Rapid Spin on Starmie, and I'm looking in to Heatran now. I really like Moxie as an ability but it does seem like it would make more sense since I'm using DD, it'll buy me more time. Thank you for the feedback.

Everything you guys are saying is definitely getting looked and and taken into consideration. Every little bit helps, I want to make a great team.



Also, is it possible that one of you guys could link me to where I can find an OU battle? I want to try the team. I haven't even battled with it yet, just got it battle ready.
 
Great team! Honestly, I have absolutely nothing to suggest that hasn't already been covered. On the topic of finding an OU battle, downloading Pokemon Online and going on the Smogon University server with this team would probably be your best bet.
 
Pareidolia said:
Great team! Honestly, I have absolutely nothing to suggest that hasn't already been covered. On the topic of finding an OU battle, downloading Pokemon Online and going on the Smogon University server with this team would probably be your best bet.
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Wait, you mean the competitive battles aren't done through a DS?

Thank you, by the way :P
 
As for another reuniclus attack, maybe thunder.
also substitute might not be that good on terrakion(they don't have overwhelming sp.def/defense/hp combo and a lot of things can OHKO them like LO or CB bullet punch scizor, starmie, sometimes inferape who tie for speed, etc.) it would good to put another attack move on it instead like x-scizzor(latios/pyschic types) or maybe quick attack to have a priority move so you can at least get one hit on scizor/etc.
 
Changes in Short

  • Rapid Spin Starmie over current variant
  • Bulk Up Breloom over Terrakion
Click to expand...
http://www.smogon.com/forums/member.php?u=41971
I am definitely going to back up 2 changes Aerrow mentioned for your team. Choice Specs on Starmie does not provide better support than what a Rapid Spin + Life Orb does for your team, removing hazards from the field and giving more chances for Salamence to come in. Use a moveset of: Recover / Rapid Spin / Hydro Pump / Thunderbolt on Starmie. Bulk Up Breloom will also defeat Turn/Switch teams that would otherwise, wreck your team; it also gives you an excellent stall-breaker in combination with Reuniclus.

I agree with most other users recommendations about Heatran, but my particular suggestion is to replace Infernape for Air Balloon Heatran. With an Air Balloon, Heatran avoids being trapped by Dugtrio, who is very common in Sun Teams, and set-up Stealth Rock reliably while also countering Sun Teams.

Finally, use a Choice Scarf on Moxie Salamence with an Adamant nature, with a moveset of: Outrage / Earthquake / Fire Fang / Dragon Claw. Your team needs a Choice Scarfer to deal with DD Dragonite, Haxorus and Scarf Rotom who might sweep this team. With a Choice Scarf, Salamence outspeeds them all and gains several boosts after every kill without setting-up. Adamant allows you to 2HKO Bold Reuniclaus cleanly with Outrage, and you won´t need a Jolly nature since most Scarfers are either slower (Rotom-W) or faster (Landorus, Infernape, Terrakion); while Scarfed Speed-base 100s are not common anymore and I am sure they would not use a positive-speed nature.

Hope my rate helps you out :).
 
I think the BoltBeam combo on Starmie would be an excellent choice, since it can further decimate opposing teams. Though, that would mean that you'd have to ditch the Specs for a Life Orb.
 
Great team. But run psyschock over psychic on renunculus, so you can win in calm mind wars with stuff like ninetales, misdreveus, and of course to murder chansey blissey situations. But I agree you need coverage. A setup sweeper needs to hit everything. Consider another move over focus blast.
 
Thanks a bunch for all the ideas guys, I'm definitely looking into all of them right now. I've got a couple more ideas for my team as far as different viable pokes. Keep up coming :D
 
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