The Team
I made this team because I always liked neat little tricks in my teams. This time, I decided to build a team around abusing Shell Smash with Baton Pass. I chose shell smash because it is fun and utterly broken. I have always been a proactive player in every single game i've every played, so shell smash fits my style perfectly. Every single Pokemon on my team serves a purpose, and it took a lot of playing to choose the right combination of Pokemon that worked. I was able to peak at top 100 on Pokemon Online. It isn't a big accomplishment, but i feel like the team can do better with the proper tuning. My team's philosophy is to try to set up a sweep as fast as possible. So far this team has been hit or miss. I want to tune this team so it'll be more consistent. I originally played this team a while back and I am now revisiting it. Some notes: THIS TEAM IS CURRENTLY WEAK TO DDNite, and DRAGONS IN GENERAL. HELP! All changes will be in BLACK. I decided to base my team around the Oklahoma City Thunder because they were one of my favorite teams in the NBA, and are known for their amazing offense, similar to shell smash teams.
A cool little drawing I did LOL
I made this team because I always liked neat little tricks in my teams. This time, I decided to build a team around abusing Shell Smash with Baton Pass. I chose shell smash because it is fun and utterly broken. I have always been a proactive player in every single game i've every played, so shell smash fits my style perfectly. Every single Pokemon on my team serves a purpose, and it took a lot of playing to choose the right combination of Pokemon that worked. I was able to peak at top 100 on Pokemon Online. It isn't a big accomplishment, but i feel like the team can do better with the proper tuning. My team's philosophy is to try to set up a sweep as fast as possible. So far this team has been hit or miss. I want to tune this team so it'll be more consistent. I originally played this team a while back and I am now revisiting it. Some notes: THIS TEAM IS CURRENTLY WEAK TO DDNite, and DRAGONS IN GENERAL. HELP! All changes will be in BLACK. I decided to base my team around the Oklahoma City Thunder because they were one of my favorite teams in the NBA, and are known for their amazing offense, similar to shell smash teams.
IN-DEPTH LOOK!
R. Westbrook (Gorebyss) (M) @ White Herb Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 116 HP / 160 SAtk / 232 Spd
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Surf
- Shell Smash
- Hidden Power [Electric]
I can't have a Shell Smash team without a Shell Smasher. Gorebyss is the reason why I made this team. Out of all of the Shell Smashers, I feel that Gorebyss is by far the best option. Smeargle is too fragile and Huntail sucks. He is here to attempt to pass Shell Smashes. He usually has no trouble doing so if he is behind the screens set by Espeon (heh, get it? pick and roll/pop reference). My play style with Gorebyss is heavily dependent upon which type of team I'm facing. If I am facing a stall team, I usually lead with Gorebyss. This way, I can Shell Smash as they set up hazards and then hope to Baton Pass and sweep. Against offense teams, I play a bit more conservatively and try to set up screens and rocks first before attempting the smash and sweep. Unfortunately, even though Gorebyss is the bulkiest Shell Smash passer, he is still fragile. In the event that I am unable to pass the Shell Smash out, he is able to attack on her own. This isn't optimal, but he is able to do some heavy damage. Lastly, Gorebyss serves as my pseudo-check to rain teams. SS+rain+shell smashed surfs hurt. Gorebyss and a combination of Breloom and Tyrannitar are here for rain. Her EVs were taken straight from the analysis and it reflects the best spread for passing SS as well as attacking.
Shell Smash and Baton Pass were the first 2 moves I chose for his moveset. They're the reason why I am even using Gorebyss. They turn mild threats into HUGE threats. +2 in both attacks and speed is just nuts. This is truly the next level of Baton Passing. Next up, I gave her Surf for STAB if the need to attack arises. People usually underestimate the power of Gorebyss's surf after a Shell Smash and it usually leads to a KO. She is able to 2HKO pretty much anything neutral to water not named Blissey or Chansey. The final move is HP electric. I originally had Ice Beam, but many of my other pokemon were able to check Dragons and Gliscor. HP Electric is there in case a Gyarados or another random bulky water switches into me.
In relationship to Russel Westbrook: Westbrook is the point guard. He facilitates the ball movement and sets up his teammates to score. He is also able to attack the rim if no other options exist (unfortunately, this hasn't been the case so far in this season). Likewise, Gorebyss is the point guard for my team. His presence makes the other Pokemon "play better" and he sets up the big pivotal plays for my team.
T. Sefolosha (Breloom) (M) @ Toxic Orb Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 236 HP / 20 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Spore
- Seed Bomb
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
He was pretty much a wild card for this team. My team was plagued by Tyranitar (before a Shell Smash), Jellicent, Natoreii, and Skarmory. One day I just thought "Hmm, I wonder what would happen if I added Breloom!" He is able to deal with all of those threats and he is quite the offensive threat himself. Breloom is like Landorus in the sense that he can be a stand alone threat, or a major threat with Shell Smash. Breloom is just one of those Pokemon where if you give it even one turn to do something, it will mess you up. He's the ultimate troll Pokemon and I love him. Breloom serves as my bulky water check and my stall breaker in general. Many of the common stall team Pokemon (Chansey, Blissey, Jellicent, Natorrei, etc) are cleanly dispatched of by Breloom. None of those Pokemon can do anything to Breloom if I play properly, even without a Shell Smash. After a Shell Smash, Breloom OHKOs Nattoreri, Jellicent, and does significant damage to any other walls. If I am unable to damage something, I just spore and switch to the appropriate counter. Another reason why I had Breloom on my team was to check Excadrill before he was banned. Now that he's gone, Breloom is no longer 100% needed, but he is still currently too good to replace. His EVs are there for maximum survivability. The 236 HP Evs allow him to recover the most possible hp with Poison Heal, and the rest is put into the defenses for bulkyness.
For the moveset, I had many movesets to choose from. I can either do Technician for a huge offense threat, or go more defensively. I decided to use the safest and most underrated moveset IMO and went with Bulk Up. Bulk Up is extremely safe, and it eases the need to predict as much as some of the other sets.After much testing though, I confirmed my suspicions and Bulk Up is indeed the way to go. Drain Punch gave me instant offense and recovery. After many games with Drain Punch, I just decided it was the best STAB move for Breloom. Next, I gave it Spore because it is a must. Spore is a 100% accuracy sleep move, and It coming off of someone with +2 Speed is just nuts. Next up, I gave it Bulk Up to ease the damage from physical attacks as well as to boost his attack. Finally I gave it Seed Bomb to deal with Jellicent and Bulky Waters. I don't need a Shell Smash on Breloom for it to be good, but if i manage a Smash on it, something is going to die. Breloom is one crazy meat mountain.
In relationship to Sefolosha: Sefolosha is the role player on the Thunder. Although Sefalosha is not a superstar, he is an all around a good player. Sefalosha does what ever is needed at the time to help the team. He is neither the leading scorer on the team, nor the person who averages 3 blocks per game, but he does always bring 100% effort. This is also Breloom's philosophy. It can take a lightning attack aimed at Gorebyss, put something to sleep, or simply all out attack. Complete love for Breloom <3
K. Durant (Metagross) @ Lum Berry Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Zen Headbutt
The ultimate Shell Smash recipient IMO. Every Shell Smash team needs a receiver, and Metagross is the best one on the block. It has near flawless coverage and doesn't afraid of anything. It is also blessed with amazing typing to resist the most common priority attacks. It resists Extreme Speed, Quick Attack, Bullet Punch, and Ice Shard. It is neutral to Sucker Punch, Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, and Aqua Jet. It is also naturally immune to Toxic, and with the Lum Berry, it pretty much isn't scared of anything. Metagross has been the leading killer on my Shell Smash team for the past 2 iterations (much like KD's scoring titles lol)
His move choices were carefully thought out to give him maximum coverage. Earthquake was first chosen because of it's insane 100 base power and 100 accuracy. It is able to hit fire types, rock types, and steel types for super effective damage. With all of these pros, Earthquake was immediately chosen. I tested Brick Break for the Balloon Trans, but I had other Pokemon to check Heatran so I went with Earthquake. Next, I chose Ice Punch to pair with EQ to hit the common resistors of EQ. Ice Punch after a Shell Smash cleanly OHKOs Salamence, Garchomp, Flygon, and even a Dragonite through multiscale. It also OHKOs grass types as well as ground types. Ice Punch is also a clean OHKO against Zapdos. Next Thunder Punch is chosen. It OHKOs full HP bulky Vaporeon as well as most waters. The final move is Zen Headbutt. It wrecks Colkedurr. It also OHKOs Volcarona and Bulky Rotom-W, which I was surprised at.
In relationship to Kevin Durant: He's Kevin motherfreaking Durant.
EVs: 116 HP / 160 SAtk / 232 Spd
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Surf
- Shell Smash
- Hidden Power [Electric]
I can't have a Shell Smash team without a Shell Smasher. Gorebyss is the reason why I made this team. Out of all of the Shell Smashers, I feel that Gorebyss is by far the best option. Smeargle is too fragile and Huntail sucks. He is here to attempt to pass Shell Smashes. He usually has no trouble doing so if he is behind the screens set by Espeon (heh, get it? pick and roll/pop reference). My play style with Gorebyss is heavily dependent upon which type of team I'm facing. If I am facing a stall team, I usually lead with Gorebyss. This way, I can Shell Smash as they set up hazards and then hope to Baton Pass and sweep. Against offense teams, I play a bit more conservatively and try to set up screens and rocks first before attempting the smash and sweep. Unfortunately, even though Gorebyss is the bulkiest Shell Smash passer, he is still fragile. In the event that I am unable to pass the Shell Smash out, he is able to attack on her own. This isn't optimal, but he is able to do some heavy damage. Lastly, Gorebyss serves as my pseudo-check to rain teams. SS+rain+shell smashed surfs hurt. Gorebyss and a combination of Breloom and Tyrannitar are here for rain. Her EVs were taken straight from the analysis and it reflects the best spread for passing SS as well as attacking.
Shell Smash and Baton Pass were the first 2 moves I chose for his moveset. They're the reason why I am even using Gorebyss. They turn mild threats into HUGE threats. +2 in both attacks and speed is just nuts. This is truly the next level of Baton Passing. Next up, I gave her Surf for STAB if the need to attack arises. People usually underestimate the power of Gorebyss's surf after a Shell Smash and it usually leads to a KO. She is able to 2HKO pretty much anything neutral to water not named Blissey or Chansey. The final move is HP electric. I originally had Ice Beam, but many of my other pokemon were able to check Dragons and Gliscor. HP Electric is there in case a Gyarados or another random bulky water switches into me.
In relationship to Russel Westbrook: Westbrook is the point guard. He facilitates the ball movement and sets up his teammates to score. He is also able to attack the rim if no other options exist (unfortunately, this hasn't been the case so far in this season). Likewise, Gorebyss is the point guard for my team. His presence makes the other Pokemon "play better" and he sets up the big pivotal plays for my team.
T. Sefolosha (Breloom) (M) @ Toxic Orb Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 236 HP / 20 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Spore
- Seed Bomb
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
For the moveset, I had many movesets to choose from. I can either do Technician for a huge offense threat, or go more defensively. I decided to use the safest and most underrated moveset IMO and went with Bulk Up. Bulk Up is extremely safe, and it eases the need to predict as much as some of the other sets.After much testing though, I confirmed my suspicions and Bulk Up is indeed the way to go. Drain Punch gave me instant offense and recovery. After many games with Drain Punch, I just decided it was the best STAB move for Breloom. Next, I gave it Spore because it is a must. Spore is a 100% accuracy sleep move, and It coming off of someone with +2 Speed is just nuts. Next up, I gave it Bulk Up to ease the damage from physical attacks as well as to boost his attack. Finally I gave it Seed Bomb to deal with Jellicent and Bulky Waters. I don't need a Shell Smash on Breloom for it to be good, but if i manage a Smash on it, something is going to die. Breloom is one crazy meat mountain.
In relationship to Sefolosha: Sefolosha is the role player on the Thunder. Although Sefalosha is not a superstar, he is an all around a good player. Sefalosha does what ever is needed at the time to help the team. He is neither the leading scorer on the team, nor the person who averages 3 blocks per game, but he does always bring 100% effort. This is also Breloom's philosophy. It can take a lightning attack aimed at Gorebyss, put something to sleep, or simply all out attack. Complete love for Breloom <3
K. Durant (Metagross) @ Lum Berry Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Zen Headbutt
The ultimate Shell Smash recipient IMO. Every Shell Smash team needs a receiver, and Metagross is the best one on the block. It has near flawless coverage and doesn't afraid of anything. It is also blessed with amazing typing to resist the most common priority attacks. It resists Extreme Speed, Quick Attack, Bullet Punch, and Ice Shard. It is neutral to Sucker Punch, Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, and Aqua Jet. It is also naturally immune to Toxic, and with the Lum Berry, it pretty much isn't scared of anything. Metagross has been the leading killer on my Shell Smash team for the past 2 iterations (much like KD's scoring titles lol)
His move choices were carefully thought out to give him maximum coverage. Earthquake was first chosen because of it's insane 100 base power and 100 accuracy. It is able to hit fire types, rock types, and steel types for super effective damage. With all of these pros, Earthquake was immediately chosen. I tested Brick Break for the Balloon Trans, but I had other Pokemon to check Heatran so I went with Earthquake. Next, I chose Ice Punch to pair with EQ to hit the common resistors of EQ. Ice Punch after a Shell Smash cleanly OHKOs Salamence, Garchomp, Flygon, and even a Dragonite through multiscale. It also OHKOs grass types as well as ground types. Ice Punch is also a clean OHKO against Zapdos. Next Thunder Punch is chosen. It OHKOs full HP bulky Vaporeon as well as most waters. The final move is Zen Headbutt. It wrecks Colkedurr. It also OHKOs Volcarona and Bulky Rotom-W, which I was surprised at.
In relationship to Kevin Durant: He's Kevin motherfreaking Durant.
S. Ibaka (Espeon) (M) @ Light Clay Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
- Baton Pass
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
- Baton Pass
When looking to make a team whose main purpose is to Baton Pass in a Shell Smash, many things are needed. One of them is to include a Pokemon that will hardcounter Whimiscott. The other is to have someone set up screens. Espeon is the ideal choice for both. It even prevents hazards from being set up on my side, which is a bonus. The screens give my Gorebyss a chance to survive hits to pass off the Shell Smash. My candidates for dual screening was Deoxys, Serperior, Cresslia, Bronzong, Xatu, or Espeon. Immediately I disregarded Cresslia and Bronzong because I felt that they were taunt bait. I also chose to not use Deoxys or Serperior because they can be Mischievous Heart taunted. My final choices were Espeon or Xatu. They both carry Magic Bounce, so not only do they guarantee screens, they don't allow hazards or phazing. I finally chose to go with Espeon because he makes a fine Shell Smash receiver as well. During team preview, if I feel that my opponent is an offensive threat, I lead with dual screens. If not, I lead with Gorebyss right off the bat. Saucy fact for the day: Magic Bouncing back a Whirlwind from Skarmory is hilarious.
For the moves, Reflect and Light Screen are a given. They're the main reason why I use Espeon. I normally go for Reflect first due to how physically frail he is. If I have time, i'll set up a Light Screen. Psychic is there for STAB in case I need to attack with him. Lastly, I chose Baton Pass. This has been an important choice because originally I had HP Ice for Gliscor. Baton Pass allows Espeon to serve as the intermediate between the initial smash pass and the sweep. If my opponent has a phazer, I Shell Smash to Espeon to take the roar/whirlwind, and then pass the stat boosts off to my ultimate receiver. For every good Baton Pass team, an anchor is needed, and mine is Espeon.
In relationship to Serge Ibaka: Serge is nicknamed "Iblocka" because of how good he is defensively. He blocks sooooooo many shots during games. Likewise, Espeon is here to "block" incoming attacks by making them do minimal damage. Light Screen and Reflect are Ibaka's monstrous arms as he protects the rim. If people want to significantly hurt my team, they'd have to get through Espeon. Sadly, much like his real life counterpart, Espeon sucks ass at offense. This is fine though, because his role as a scorer isn't needed due to my other threats.
K. Perkins (Tyranitar) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sandstream
EVs: 252 HP / 64 SAtk / 192 SDef
Sassy Nature (+SDef, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Fire Blast
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
I have Stealth Rock because of how important rocks is. It instantly negates many threats in the metagame, and is probably the best move atm. Second, I gave Tyranitar Fire Blast. This allows him to easily deal with opposing steels, most notably Scizor and Ferrothorn. I decided to couple Fire Blast with Ice Beam to deal with opposing dragons and Gliscor. Finally, I gave him Crunch for STAB, and to deal with enemy Reunculus.
In relationship to Kendrick Perkins: Tyrannitar is the man who anchors down the team. Although Perkins may be only average offensively, his defensive presence is what makes him so good. He can score if he has to, but is mostly used to take hits (like that Blake Griffin dunk LOL). This same philosophy applies to Tyrannitar. Offensively he is average at best, but defensively, he is spectacular. On some nights, Perkins really gets off and destroys the game offensively, which is equivalent to the rare occasion where I pass a Shell Smash to Tyranitar and set him loose. Mostly though, he is here to take what the other team gives.
J. Harden (Landorus) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sand Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earthquake
- Smack Down
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Substitute
For the moves, Earthquake was the obvious STAB of choice. A Earthquake coming off of a Shell Smashed Landorus is ridiculous. Sand Force is just icing on the cake. Next up I paired Earthquake up with HP Ice because dragons and Gliscor are everywhere in this metagame. Luckily for me, Shell Smash also boosts HP Ice. The next 2 moves are what really makes this set run. I chose Smack Down as a metagame call. Currently, people are extremely hyped up about the 2drag1mag strategy. Volt-turn is also everywhere. This means a lot of Rotom-W, dragons, and just Pokemon who are immune to EQ. Smack Down on the switch allows me to easily dispatch of them with an EQ. Finally, I gave it Substitute to protect it from status.
In relationship to James Harden: He is option number 3 behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. He is easily the favorite for 6th man of the year. James Harden is the leading scorer for the Thunder's second unit, and is responsible for their consistence offense. Likewise, Landorus is my second unit if i do not feel that Metagross can do a sweep.
Some threats to my team: ScarfTerrakion, DDnite. PLEASE LIST OTHERS
That is all. Thunder up!
Importable!
J. Harden (Landorus) (M) @ Leftovers Trait: Sand Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Substitute
- Smack Down
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power [Ice]
S. Ibaka (Espeon) (M) @ Light Clay
Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Psychic
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Baton Pass
K. Durant (Metagross) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Zen Headbutt
R. Westbrook (Gorebyss) (M) @ White Herb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 116 HP / 160 SAtk / 232 Spd
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Surf
- Shell Smash
- Hidden Power [Electric]
T. Safalosha (Breloom) (M) @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 236 HP / 20 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Spore
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Seed Bomb
K. Perkins (Tyranitar) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 64 SAtk / 192 SDef
Sassy Nature (+SDef, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Beam
- Crunch
- Fire Blast
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Substitute
- Smack Down
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power [Ice]
S. Ibaka (Espeon) (M) @ Light Clay
Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Psychic
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Baton Pass
K. Durant (Metagross) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- ThunderPunch
- Zen Headbutt
R. Westbrook (Gorebyss) (M) @ White Herb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 116 HP / 160 SAtk / 232 Spd
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Surf
- Shell Smash
- Hidden Power [Electric]
T. Safalosha (Breloom) (M) @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 236 HP / 20 Def / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Spore
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Seed Bomb
K. Perkins (Tyranitar) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 64 SAtk / 192 SDef
Sassy Nature (+SDef, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Beam
- Crunch
- Fire Blast
