THANK YOU KRYMU!!!!!
CharizardUser here, and I've got a new rain dance team! Now as my name suggests, I am a fan of Charizard, but I know how nearly useless he is in competitive battling, so I decided to drop him and create a OU team that actually works together.
--PROCESS--
I started out with a Kingdra.
After one glance at the Double Dance set I found, Kingdra was locked onto my team. With great stats, Kingdra was only lacking in speed, which swift swim fixed, and the coverage of Outrage and Waterfall blew me away. I realized that it takes time to set up DD and Rain Dance, so I decided I needed a Screener.
That's where Bronzong comes in.
I love the idea of screen support plus explosion, and I felt that Bronzong truly delivers. Reflect and Light Screen, then with 252 Atk EVs explodes the opponent, hitting its weak point for massive damage!(lol).
Anyway, I really like Bronzong's stats and feel that out of all the lead screeners out there, Bronzong could survive and then deliver. I also added Charge Beam, out of concern for Gyara-leads.
Now who doesn't love Scizor in the rain?
With Scizor's type combo, I just couldn't resist. I got his moveset almost right, but ther turned out to be a pretty dumb thing that I overlooked, and now I realize how stupid it was to put Rain Dance on Scizor. Overall, I still don't regret putting Scizor on my team, even if I did put too many suport moves on him and not enough attacking.
Here's where things started to go downhill.
Let me just make this clear. I LOVE Starmie. At first, I wanted it to be my spinner, but I changed my mind at the last second and made it a sweeper. To bad I forgot to change the EV spread. I gave Starmie a boltbeamer/thunderdancer set with rapid spinner EVs. I can't thank Krymu enough for pointing out all of the flaws of my team, and Starmie was definately a flaw.
Is it really hard to guess why I chose Ludicolo for a Rain Dance team?
I just couldn't resist sticking a Ludicolo on here. Gave it a somewhat standard set, put Ice Beam on it for coverage, and of course Rain Dance. Subtle? No Way.
Effective? Yes.
Five down, one to go.
Finally, my REAL spinner/ Stealth Rock support.
I chose Forretress for the same reason as Scizor, except this time, I wanted support. I find Forretress to be a good sweeper, plus he can spin away Stealth Rock and then set up his own. Again, gotta love that type coverage!
Now that my original team had been built, I found It had many flaws. Time to start anew and after some great advice, I created what is now my TRUE Rain Dance Team.
--HOMEWORK--
I've done my research, and after some changes, this is what I got. Yep, here's the before and after of my team.
CharizardUser here, and I've got a new rain dance team! Now as my name suggests, I am a fan of Charizard, but I know how nearly useless he is in competitive battling, so I decided to drop him and create a OU team that actually works together.
--PROCESS--
I started out with a Kingdra.
After one glance at the Double Dance set I found, Kingdra was locked onto my team. With great stats, Kingdra was only lacking in speed, which swift swim fixed, and the coverage of Outrage and Waterfall blew me away. I realized that it takes time to set up DD and Rain Dance, so I decided I needed a Screener.
That's where Bronzong comes in.
I love the idea of screen support plus explosion, and I felt that Bronzong truly delivers. Reflect and Light Screen, then with 252 Atk EVs explodes the opponent, hitting its weak point for massive damage!(lol).
Anyway, I really like Bronzong's stats and feel that out of all the lead screeners out there, Bronzong could survive and then deliver. I also added Charge Beam, out of concern for Gyara-leads.
Now who doesn't love Scizor in the rain?
With Scizor's type combo, I just couldn't resist. I got his moveset almost right, but ther turned out to be a pretty dumb thing that I overlooked, and now I realize how stupid it was to put Rain Dance on Scizor. Overall, I still don't regret putting Scizor on my team, even if I did put too many suport moves on him and not enough attacking.
Here's where things started to go downhill.
Let me just make this clear. I LOVE Starmie. At first, I wanted it to be my spinner, but I changed my mind at the last second and made it a sweeper. To bad I forgot to change the EV spread. I gave Starmie a boltbeamer/thunderdancer set with rapid spinner EVs. I can't thank Krymu enough for pointing out all of the flaws of my team, and Starmie was definately a flaw.
Is it really hard to guess why I chose Ludicolo for a Rain Dance team?
I just couldn't resist sticking a Ludicolo on here. Gave it a somewhat standard set, put Ice Beam on it for coverage, and of course Rain Dance. Subtle? No Way.
Effective? Yes.
Five down, one to go.
Finally, my REAL spinner/ Stealth Rock support.
I chose Forretress for the same reason as Scizor, except this time, I wanted support. I find Forretress to be a good sweeper, plus he can spin away Stealth Rock and then set up his own. Again, gotta love that type coverage!
Now that my original team had been built, I found It had many flaws. Time to start anew and after some great advice, I created what is now my TRUE Rain Dance Team.
--HOMEWORK--
I've done my research, and after some changes, this is what I got. Yep, here's the before and after of my team.
BEFORE
Bronzong @ Light Clay
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 152 Atk/ 8 Def / 96 SpD
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Charge Beam
-Explosion
Kingdra @ Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Starmie @ Zap Plate
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
EVs: 136 HP/ 156 Def/ 216 Spe
-Ice Beam
-Surf
-Thunder
-Recover
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 HP/ 6 Atk/ 252 Spd
-Roost
-Bullet Punch
-U-Turn
-Rain Dance
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Stealth Rock
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
A CLOSER LOOK
LEAD
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Double Dance Kingdra is completely essential to this team. Mainly, the strategy is to have Uxie set up Stealth Rock and the Screens, then suicide with Memento, because, frankly, I don't think Kingdra is bulky enough to set up two DDs and Rain Dance without some help. But after all that, ooooh, now it's fun time. Dragon Dance first, so as not to waste a turn in the rain, and then, depending on the opposing Pokemon, Dragon Dance again or just use Rain Dance after only one DD.
With Swift Swim activated and two Dragon Dances, Kindra can outspeed almost anything in the Metagame, and if Uxie managed to pull off Memento, Kingdra will no doubt be able to last long enough to set everything up, and much longer. Kingdra can outlast the opponent too, and if switched in to a fire type, Stealth Rock will come into play, leaving the opponent between a rock and a GIANT DRAGON CAPABLE OF OUTLASTING AND OUTSPEEDING NEARLY ANYTHING, THAT CAN HAND YOUR ASS TO YOU IN HALF A SECOND! (that's how the saying should go...)
The type coverage of Dragon/Water really kicks ass. The Pokemon who do resist it can be pretty easily handled by the rest of the team. My only concern is running into a team almost identical to this, because if the opponent benifits from the rain too, the match could get very unpredictable. Outrage, at least, deals with any opposing Kingdra, exploiting it's one weakness.
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 152 Atk/ 8 Def / 96 SpD
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Charge Beam
-Explosion
Kingdra @ Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Starmie @ Zap Plate
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
EVs: 136 HP/ 156 Def/ 216 Spe
-Ice Beam
-Surf
-Thunder
-Recover
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 252 HP/ 6 Atk/ 252 Spd
-Roost
-Bullet Punch
-U-Turn
-Rain Dance
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Stealth Rock
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
AFTER
Uxie @ Light Clay
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Memento
-U-turn/Stealth Rock
Kingdra @ Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Blissey @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Def / 232 SpD
-Aromatherapy
-Softboiled
-Seismic Toss
-Toxic/Rain Dance
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Bullet Punch
-Brick Break
-Roost
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Stealth Rock
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Memento
-U-turn/Stealth Rock
Kingdra @ Leftovers
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Blissey @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Def / 232 SpD
-Aromatherapy
-Softboiled
-Seismic Toss
-Toxic/Rain Dance
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Bullet Punch
-Brick Break
-Roost
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Stealth Rock
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
A CLOSER LOOK
LEAD
Uxie @ Light Clay
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Memento
-Stealth Rock
A standard, but effective Lead. Uxie sets up Light Screen, Reflect, and Stealth Rock, then uses Memento, which I find to be more useful than explosion (plus Uxie can't learn explosion in the first place), to kill itself and greatly hinder the opponent's attacking power. Rain Dance teams greatly benefit from Stealth Rock support, and it also helps deal with the fire types Scizor and Forretress so greatly fear.
I gave Uxie some HP and Defense EVs, as it has to survive long enough to set up the Screens, Stealth Rock, and though Memento is not completely necessary, it really helps to be able to use it. Even though Levitate takes away the possibility of EQ, I find that Uxie would benefit more from Defense than Sp. Defense (let it be noted that Uxie already has a phenomenal 130 base Defense and Sp. Defense, so it can survive very well regardless of the EV spread).
PHYSICAL SWEEPER
Kingdra @ LeftoversAbility: Levitate
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe
-Reflect
-Light Screen
-Memento
-Stealth Rock
A standard, but effective Lead. Uxie sets up Light Screen, Reflect, and Stealth Rock, then uses Memento, which I find to be more useful than explosion (plus Uxie can't learn explosion in the first place), to kill itself and greatly hinder the opponent's attacking power. Rain Dance teams greatly benefit from Stealth Rock support, and it also helps deal with the fire types Scizor and Forretress so greatly fear.
I gave Uxie some HP and Defense EVs, as it has to survive long enough to set up the Screens, Stealth Rock, and though Memento is not completely necessary, it really helps to be able to use it. Even though Levitate takes away the possibility of EQ, I find that Uxie would benefit more from Defense than Sp. Defense (let it be noted that Uxie already has a phenomenal 130 base Defense and Sp. Defense, so it can survive very well regardless of the EV spread).
PHYSICAL SWEEPER
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Adamant
Evs: 180 HP/ 252 Atk/ 76 Spe
-Waterfall
-Outrage
-Rain Dance
-Dragon Dance
Double Dance Kingdra is completely essential to this team. Mainly, the strategy is to have Uxie set up Stealth Rock and the Screens, then suicide with Memento, because, frankly, I don't think Kingdra is bulky enough to set up two DDs and Rain Dance without some help. But after all that, ooooh, now it's fun time. Dragon Dance first, so as not to waste a turn in the rain, and then, depending on the opposing Pokemon, Dragon Dance again or just use Rain Dance after only one DD.
With Swift Swim activated and two Dragon Dances, Kindra can outspeed almost anything in the Metagame, and if Uxie managed to pull off Memento, Kingdra will no doubt be able to last long enough to set everything up, and much longer. Kingdra can outlast the opponent too, and if switched in to a fire type, Stealth Rock will come into play, leaving the opponent between a rock and a GIANT DRAGON CAPABLE OF OUTLASTING AND OUTSPEEDING NEARLY ANYTHING, THAT CAN HAND YOUR ASS TO YOU IN HALF A SECOND! (that's how the saying should go...)
The type coverage of Dragon/Water really kicks ass. The Pokemon who do resist it can be pretty easily handled by the rest of the team. My only concern is running into a team almost identical to this, because if the opponent benifits from the rain too, the match could get very unpredictable. Outrage, at least, deals with any opposing Kingdra, exploiting it's one weakness.
OFFENSIVE RAIN
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Yet another Pokemon with Swift Swim. Ludicolo doesn't have great Speed or Special Attack, but with 252 Spe and SpA EVs, plus rain, he's more than capable of Sweeping. Ludicolo is a late game Sweeper, though, he can come in somewhat early to set up Rain Dance. All of Ludicolo's moves have 100% Accuracy, which makes him function very efficiently, especially in late-game.
Ice Beam is somewhat self-explanatory. It has awesome coverage, and can deal with a majority of counters. With Life Orb, Grass Knot 2HKOs a bulky Gyarados. Grass knot is also for those heavy Pokemon and those pesky annoying Water/Grass types we all know and hate. Surf gets powered up by Rain Dance, as an added bonus, giving Ludicolo an edge against some Pokemon.
CLERIC
Blissey @ Damp Rock
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Def / 232 SpD
-Aromatherapy
-Softboiled
-Seismic Toss
-Rain Dance
Blissey is an awesome cleric, and very needed on this team. This team has a huge weakness to status effects, namely Toxic Poison, Paralysis, and Burn. Blissey takes care of this with aromatherapy, and that's not all. Blissey, defensive monster that it is, can survive for all but forever, and Seismic toss for 100 (or 50, depends on the type of match) damage consistently.
With use of Softboiled, Blissey can last even longer than it could before, which is saying something. Damp Rock is obviously to keep Rain Dance going for longer than it could normally. Though Blissey doesn't directly benefit from rain, it is needed for the team to function and Blissey has the stats to set it up without being KO'ed.
BULKY SWEEPER
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Bullet Punch
-Brick Break
-Roost
Scizor has great move options, and the stats to back them up. The main strategy with Scizor is to Swords Dance a few times, attack with Brick Break or Bullet Punch, and then Roost if the opponent has yet to switch in to a Fire-type.
Scizor has a much greater chance in rain than anything else. I bring Scizor in after Blissey, usually. the rain usually scares off any opposing Fire-types, but if somebody has the balls to bring out a Fire Pokemon, Scizor can still stand a chance.
Technician Powers up his two attacking moves, while Swords Dance makes them even more formidable. With max Attack EVs, Swords Dance, a +Atk Nature, and an Ability that powers his moves up by 1.5 times, Scizor is truly a formidable Pokemon.
RAPID SPINNER
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Spikes
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
Forretress is mainly a rapid spinner. Sets up spikes for extra support, and because of it's low speed, payback is a great move for Forretress. EQ is extremely strong and has awesome coverage. With max HP EVs, and great defensive stats, Forretress can last for a long time. This set stops Magnazone with Magnet Pull, and deals with opposing hazards, such as Stealth Rock.
I use Forretress for some of the same reasons as Scizor. With great typing, only Fire is supereffective against it, and most Fire-types are scared off by Stealth Rock and rain.
The strategy with Forretress is to come in when the opponent sets up Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin it, and set up spikes.
--POSSIBLE CHANGES--
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Nature: Modest
EVs: 4 Def/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spe
-Surf
-Grass Knot
-Ice Beam
-Rain Dance
Yet another Pokemon with Swift Swim. Ludicolo doesn't have great Speed or Special Attack, but with 252 Spe and SpA EVs, plus rain, he's more than capable of Sweeping. Ludicolo is a late game Sweeper, though, he can come in somewhat early to set up Rain Dance. All of Ludicolo's moves have 100% Accuracy, which makes him function very efficiently, especially in late-game.
Ice Beam is somewhat self-explanatory. It has awesome coverage, and can deal with a majority of counters. With Life Orb, Grass Knot 2HKOs a bulky Gyarados. Grass knot is also for those heavy Pokemon and those pesky annoying Water/Grass types we all know and hate. Surf gets powered up by Rain Dance, as an added bonus, giving Ludicolo an edge against some Pokemon.
CLERIC
Blissey @ Damp Rock
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Def / 232 SpD
-Aromatherapy
-Softboiled
-Seismic Toss
-Rain Dance
Blissey is an awesome cleric, and very needed on this team. This team has a huge weakness to status effects, namely Toxic Poison, Paralysis, and Burn. Blissey takes care of this with aromatherapy, and that's not all. Blissey, defensive monster that it is, can survive for all but forever, and Seismic toss for 100 (or 50, depends on the type of match) damage consistently.
With use of Softboiled, Blissey can last even longer than it could before, which is saying something. Damp Rock is obviously to keep Rain Dance going for longer than it could normally. Though Blissey doesn't directly benefit from rain, it is needed for the team to function and Blissey has the stats to set it up without being KO'ed.
BULKY SWEEPER
Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Bullet Punch
-Brick Break
-Roost
Scizor has great move options, and the stats to back them up. The main strategy with Scizor is to Swords Dance a few times, attack with Brick Break or Bullet Punch, and then Roost if the opponent has yet to switch in to a Fire-type.
Scizor has a much greater chance in rain than anything else. I bring Scizor in after Blissey, usually. the rain usually scares off any opposing Fire-types, but if somebody has the balls to bring out a Fire Pokemon, Scizor can still stand a chance.
Technician Powers up his two attacking moves, while Swords Dance makes them even more formidable. With max Attack EVs, Swords Dance, a +Atk Nature, and an Ability that powers his moves up by 1.5 times, Scizor is truly a formidable Pokemon.
RAPID SPINNER
Forretress @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Relaxed
EVs: 252 HP/ 112 Atk/ 144 Def
-Spikes
-Rapid Spin
-Payback
-Earthquake
Forretress is mainly a rapid spinner. Sets up spikes for extra support, and because of it's low speed, payback is a great move for Forretress. EQ is extremely strong and has awesome coverage. With max HP EVs, and great defensive stats, Forretress can last for a long time. This set stops Magnazone with Magnet Pull, and deals with opposing hazards, such as Stealth Rock.
I use Forretress for some of the same reasons as Scizor. With great typing, only Fire is supereffective against it, and most Fire-types are scared off by Stealth Rock and rain.
The strategy with Forretress is to come in when the opponent sets up Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin it, and set up spikes.
--POSSIBLE CHANGES--
- On Blissey, switch Rain Dance for Toxic.
- If Rain Dance is replaced with Toxic, switch Damp Rock for Leftovers.
- On Kingdra, switch Leftovers for Damp Rock.
- On Scizor, switch Leftovers for Iron Plate.
- Whatever else may be necessary! Got a suggestion? Enlighten me!
Thanks for reading, all suggestions or reviews are greatly appreciated!
