[OU] I'm just trying for a solid team...

[Colloquy]

Intro:

Hey, hoes. I was trying to build a team with perfect balance, so, this is the result. No shit it's not perfect, but it's a decent enough team for me. I've been laddering with this under "Katherine" and "Addie", so if you've seen me, just tell me. I use a more offensive style when playing though, which often leads to mistakes, by me and my opponent. I also have quite a few tricks up my sleeve, letting opponents think they have me, but then I bring out something that rapes their team. Here it is. Also, I prefer not having Stealth Rocks on this team, and Rapid Spinners just slow me down.

Overview:

Detail:

Zapdos @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power Ice
- U-turn

Why this Pokemon?

Zapdos starts the battle staring down the opponent with massive power and Speed. It takes down suicide leads like nothing, and rapes Metagross, Bronzong, and Scizor with Heat Wave while still being able to handle opposing Zapdos and Gengar with Thunderbolt. The only problem it has with leads is Tyranitar, which I have Machamp for.

Why this set?

STAB Thunderbolts do a number on anything not resisting besides Special walls, and Hidden Power Ice gives great coverage and also rapes Salamence leads. Heat Wave is useful for, of course, Scizor, but also helps with other Steel-types, and U-turn helps me with Blissey switch-ins. The EVs allow for 462 Speed, outspeeding +Speed base 90 Choice Scarf Pokemon, and let me switch into Stealth Rock 4 times without fainting, and I'm also pretty bulky.

Celebi @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 220 Def / 36 Spe
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Leech Seed
- Grass Knot
- Earth Power
- Recover

Why this Pokemon?

Celebi is on almost all of my teams, and for good reason. She counters a ton of threats, and puts constant pressure on the opponent becuase of Leech Seed. Bulky Waters fall to Grass Knot, and things like Agili-Gross fall to Earth Power. Gyarados is no longer a threat once Zapdos is gone when Celebi is around.

Why this set?

This is the most effiecient physical walling Celebi set, as all the physical threats I will be switching this into fall to Grass Knot or Earth Power, like Gyarados and Electivire. It can handle just about everything but Flying-types, which Zapdos and other Pokemon can handle. I prefer Earth Power for the type coverage.

Machamp @ Leftovers
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- DynamicPunch
- Stone Edge
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Why this Pokemon?

I figured I needed an able status absorber and an answer to Blissey and Flying-types, so I decided to go with Machamp. Yes, I know, Machamp is weak to Flying, but whatever. DynamicPunch screws up opponents, and gives Togekiss some extra hax if it needs to switch in. I also just wanted to use Machamp in one of my teams.

Why this set?

Once again, the set absorbs status and allows for the best type coverage. Stone Edge hits incoming Salamence and other annoying Flying-types like Zapdos. I would like some help with this, as it never seems to work the way I want it to, tanking.

Suicune @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Electric

Why this Pokemon?

Suicune has always been a favorite of mine, and it fits into this team well. It counters opposing Heatran and physical sweepers like Machamp, and can dole out some serious attacks as well. Suicune is too valuable to lose earlier in the match, so I normally only use it early in the game when Heatran rears his ugly head.

Why this set?

LO Suicune loses a bit of bulk when it goes offensive, but it more than makes up for it with its attacking power. The moves give great coverage, and if I switch in on a Pokemon that can't really hurt me, it can usually get a couple of Calm Minds in. The extra Speed is a big suprise for most opponents as well.

Salamence @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 80 Atk / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Naive nature (+Spe, -SpD)
- Draco Meteor
- Outrage
- Flamethrower
- Earthquake

Why this Pokemon?

Mixed Salamence is my cleaner. If I don't show him to the opponent and get rid of things like Scarf-Tran, this guy wrecks. Intimidate is also useful when switching into things like Close Combats. It is the real force behind my team.

Why this set?

This is the best wall breaker in Platinum, hitting almost everything incredibly hard with STAB Draco Meteor. Flamethrower for Steels like Bronzong and Skarmory, who this set can't touch. Outrage and Earthquake provide great coverage on the set, an hit Blissey and Snorlax hard.

Togekiss @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Thunder Wave
- Air Slash
- Roost
- Aura Sphere

Why this Pokemon?

Togekiss is my most questionable link. Togekiss provides nice walling capablities, and hax is always welcome. Thunder Wave gets all those annoying Scarfers MixMence can't handle, and Aura Sphere finishes Heatran.

Why this set?

Para-Flinch is awesome, and Flying-Fighting provides nice coverage in OU. Roost is nice for helping this Togekiss Special wall more, and send out more Thunder Waves. The most defense possible for more survivabilty. I would really like some help on this one. -_-;

Thanks!

 

[Wedge]

The first thing I noticed is that you have four Pokemon weak to Ice. This isn't too much of a problem, seeing as Celebi/Togekiss are bulky and Zapdos is reasonably bulky, but it still might be something you want to look into.

CM Jirachi also looks like a problem for you, as it can get in on Togekiss with ease, set up a Substitute to block your Thunder Waves, and after a CM, do massive damage to your entire team without taking much back.

If you put Perish Song on Celebi, you can still take care of Agili-gross with Zapdos's Heat Wave or Salamence's Fire Blast. Thunder Wave will will also effectively neutralize it. Perish Song will also allow you to beat Crocune, anothing thing that can stop your team pretty handily and DDTar (which can sweep you if Machamp is weakened after a DD; it isn't as much of a problem as CM Jirachi and Crocune, but can still be a major threat.

 

[Orion]

When Zapdos got Heat Wave, the use of HP Ice isn't that necessary. HP Grass is generally a better option, as you then can hammer Swampert, who otherwise uses Zapdos as Stealth Rock or Curse setup.

On a general basis, it seems Ice is the typing you fear the most. Suicune can stop most of them all right, but with Life Orb and no Rest, it will eventually be worn down.
Also, a Choice Specs Salamence is a pain. You have no safe switch-in. Togekiss takes a minimum of 58% upon switchin in, which means that if it takes damage from Stealth Rock, it's a 2HKO.
It also seems that anything with strong physical attacks, like Dragon Dance-Salamence or Metagross, can be a problem.

I think the best way to remedy this, is to add a steel of your own. I think Suicune can go, and to replace it, I think Bronzong might be a great asset. It can set up Stealth Rock, which might nest you a lot of OHKOs/2HKOs.

On Salamence, I would also go for Roost in the last slot. Cresselias are almost always Bold, carrying Calm Mind, anyway, meaning Crunch does pitiful damage. Draco Meteor will usually inflict more damage on them when you catch them switching in, and Roost lets it live a lot longer.

 

[Colloquy]

The first thing I noticed is that you have four Pokemon weak to Ice. This isn't too much of a problem, seeing as Celebi/Togekiss are bulky and Zapdos is reasonably bulky, but it still might be something you want to look into.

CM Jirachi also looks like a problem for you, as it can get in on Togekiss with ease, set up a Substitute to block your Thunder Waves, and after a CM, do massive damage to your entire team without taking much back.

If you put Perish Song on Celebi, you can still take care of Agili-gross with Zapdos's Heat Wave or Salamence's Fire Blast. Thunder Wave will will also effectively neutralize it. Perish Song will also allow you to beat Crocune, anothing thing that can stop your team pretty handily and DDTar (which can sweep you if Machamp is weakened after a DD; it isn't as much of a problem as CM Jirachi and Crocune, but can still be a major threat.

I never really noticed the Ice-type weak until I faced a Hail Team, and Sub-Seed Abomasnow.

CM Jirachi is rarely seen these days, and I can revenge kill with Mence, or just switch in Zapdos.

Perish Song is not needed at all, CroCune is also very rare, and I've got DDTar covered.

When Zapdos got Heat Wave, the use of HP Ice isn't that necessary. HP Grass is generally a better option, as you then can hammer Swampert, who otherwise uses Zapdos as Stealth Rock or Curse setup.

Notice the Celebi. I thought about that too, but revenge killing Mence is better on Scarf-Zapdos.

On a general basis, it seems Ice is the typing you fear the most. Suicune can stop most of them all right, but with Life Orb and no Rest, it will eventually be worn down.

Also, a Choice Specs Salamence is a pain. You have no safe switch-in. Togekiss takes a minimum of 58% upon switchin in, which means that if it takes damage from Stealth Rock, it's a 2HKO.

SpecsMence is rarely seen as well, and I can basically just play around it. Togekiss takes 58% from Draco Meteor, but I can simply Roost off damage.

It also seems that anything with strong physical attacks, like Dragon Dance-Salamence or Metagross, can be a problem.

Celebi takes down Metagross, and Salamence I basically play around with.

I think the best way to remedy this, is to add a steel of your own. I think Suicune can go, and to replace it, I think Bronzong might be a great asset. It can set up Stealth Rock, which might nest you a lot of OHKOs/2HKOs.

I don't want Suicune to go, as my team then doesn't have a Heatran resist, and I will get swept one at a time. Bronzong might be able to go over Kiss though.

On Salamence, I would also go for Roost in the last slot. Cresselias are almost always Bold, carrying Calm Mind, anyway, meaning Crunch does pitiful damage. Draco Meteor will usually inflict more damage on them when you catch them switching in, and Roost lets it live a lot longer.

Calm Mind isn't really the most common set, the tank set is. I'm more worried about Ice Beam. Crunch is useful for if it switches in on Draco Meteor, finishing it off.

About O.Ownage's Salamence set, I will certainly change to Naive, and Flamethrower, but I don't like Outrage and Earthquake. Not good enough coverage.

 

[Wedge]

CM Jirachi is rarely seen these days, and I can revenge kill with Mence, or just switch in Zapdos.

CM Jirachi are actully very common today since very few things counter them, and they destroy as an endgame sweeper. Zapdos and Mence can't do shit to it after a Calm Mind or two and are at least 2HKO'd by Jirachi (which outspeeds both of them if it uses a Timid Nature).

Perish Song is not needed at all, CroCune is also very rare, and I've got DDTar covered.

True, Crocune is rare, but other Rest/SleepTalk/Set up Move/STAB Pokemon are not, so perish song is great for getting rid of them if they are your oppononent's last Pokemon and phazing doesn't work. Dynamic Punch's 8 PP can easily be outstalled, and without it, you are DDTar fodder.

About O.Ownage's Salamence set, I will certainly change to Naive, and Flamethrower, but I don't like Outrage and Earthquake. Not good enough coverage.

Outrage and Earthquake don't have enough coverage? Are you kidding me? They hit everything in the game neutral except Skarmory, Shedinja and Bronzong. That's not bad coverage at all.

 

[Colloquy]

CM Jirachi are actully very common today since very few things counter them, and they destroy as an endgame sweeper. Zapdos and Mence can't do shit to it after a Calm Mind or two and are at least 2HKO'd by Jirachi (which outspeeds both of them if it uses a Timid Nature).

Jirachi is only at #26 on the statistics, and only 25% use a Timid nature, so I think that it isn't too much of a threat to me.

True, Crocune is rare, but other Rest/SleepTalk/Set up Move/STAB Pokemon are not, so perish song is great for getting rid of them if they are your oppononent's last Pokemon and phazing doesn't work. Dynamic Punch's 8 PP can easily be outstalled, and without it, you are DDTar fodder.

Yes, it might help me get rid of them, but Grass has terrible coverage and doesn't help me stop Metagross and company. So, Earth Power / Hidden Power Fire stays.

Outrage and Earthquake don't have enough coverage? Are you kidding me? They hit everything in the game neutral except Skarmory, Shedinja and Bronzong. That's not bad coverage at all.

Sorry, I meant to say that I didn't really want to use two dragon moves. I changed it, as Flamethrower is hitting all of those. : )

 

[Venom]

I really don't understand why you do not want a Rapid Spinner, because as of right now, Toxic Spikes, Spikes, and Stealth Rocks rape this team alone, regardless of what defense you want to respond to this, you have a problem with them, and a big one. I don't see how a Rapid Spinner will slow you down either, Starmie for one wont, Starmie is able to be a pretty good Rapid Spinner, possibly one of the best out of the little there is. I would suggest replacing Togekiss or Celebi with Starmie here, Celebi can go as Starmie will be able to handle Gyarados and MixApe effectively, while Togekiss can also go if you want to keep Celebi, which Togekiss seems to be the weak link here. Is there any reason to run Hidden Power Ice on Zapdos these days? You're probably running it for Flygon, and thats probably it. Hidden Power Ice is still an ok move on Zapdos, but if you're willing to do so, I would suggest trying out Hidden Power Ground, a pretty gimmick move, but with a Choice Scarf, Zapdos will be able to revenge kill Heatran, which can give problems somewhat.

I don't really have anything more to say about this team, I can see this team being ok with a Rapid Spinner though.

 

[kd24]

Although it looks like a pretty good team in theory, that is exactly what it is for now. Because as Venom already eluded to, Indirect Damage completely tears you apart and I don't think you are hitting hard enough to really break through stall teams and you arent playing enough defense to take out offensive teams. You can't really fix that but a Rapid Spinner sure helps with it a lot!

I agree about taking out Togekiss and from the list of usable rapid spinners, I would use Forretress right now. You do not have a Steel resist meaning a DD Outrage will get through and kill you. Luckily, Forretress is there to save the day with Gyro Ball. Rapid Spin is definitely a yes on the set. Consider Explosion and Stealth Rock (too much immunity to spikes / Toxic spikes these days imo) and you need stealth rock somewhere.

Im going to suggest Thunder Wave over Earth Power on Celebi and HP Ground over Ice on Zapdos for reasons Venom described.

I really think you would benefit from a much more defensive cune instead of the life orb one. Let Mence and Zapdos do the big attacking and let machamp and Cune did the little attacking. Cune should probably abuse Rest + CM or at least CM + Roar.

CB Donphan is purely a gimmick Pokemon and is screwed pretty much most of the time, which is why I support Forretress.