I have always liked thinking of creative battling strategies, but haven't had the time to make competitive teams on my Diamond game. I recently downloaded Shoddy so I am excited about the limitless possibilities for team building. One strategy that I had always wanted to use was the baton pass chain. I know many people believe these teams aren't very effective, but I would like some advice to make this team as strong as possible.
My Team at a Glance
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A Closer Look
Ninjask (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 244 HP/52 Atk/212 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Protect
- X-Scissor
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
I have had no problems using this lead. I can protect first turn to get a guaranteed speed boost. This will also scout for taunt. If the opposing lead doesn't taunt, I can sub and stall while I get more speed boosts. If the opponent does taunt, I can baton pass to Gliscor.
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Smeargle (M) @ Shed Shell
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 216 HP/196 Def/96 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Ingrain
- Spore
- Spider Web
This Smeargle is meant to trap something and put it to sleep so I can set up. I have yet to use this as I have usually been able to set up without it. (Or my chain is completely broken down and I can't get him in with a sub) Ideally, I would pass him Drifblim's sub with defence and sp. defence boosts, as well as the speed from Ninjask.
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Mr. Mime (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 252 HP/216 SAtk/40 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Calm Mind
- Grass Knot
- Thunderbolt
This Set is meant to counter phazers such as Swampert, Hippowdon and Skarmory. It hasn't been of much use to me yet, but I have heard that it can be pretty useful, so I don't know what to think of this one.
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Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 104 HP/252 Atk/152 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Aqua Tail
- Baton Pass
- Roost
- Swords Dance
I designed this Gliscor to counter Aerodactyl in case my lead gets taunted. However, while battling on Shoddy I have noticed Aerodactyl isn't the only taunter I should be looking out for. Is there anything better that I could use instead of Gliscor to counter taunters?
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Drifblim (M) @ Ganlon Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 HP/188 Def/68 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Shadow Ball
- Stockpile
- Substitute
Once Ninjask uses as many speed boosts as possible, I usually switch to Drifblim. I can sub up and use three stockpiles, then baton pass on to Gliscor for some swords dance boosts. After enough subs the ganlon berry is activated, giving another defense boost. If I do replace Gliscor I would need something else to use an attack boosting move. The only problem I have noticed with this set is that having only a ghost attacking move means I can't attack normal types, should this move be replaced with something else?
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Nidoking (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Rivalry
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/4 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Thunderpunch
- Poison Jab
I picked Nidoking as my receiver for two reasons. It has access to Ice, Electric, and Ground moves, so nothing can completely resist its attacks. Also, it is one of my favorite pokemon. I have been disappointed in Nidoking because it is unable to do anything if just one thing goes wrong during the chain passing process. What would be a better finisher? I know boltbeam is more common and powerful than physical alternatives, so I'm thinking of using a special sweeper. This would also eliminate my need for a swords dancer to replace Gliscor.
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So that's my team. I mainly need help countering taunters and finding a good finisher. I would really appreciate any help to make it harder for opponents to break this chain. Thanks!
My Team at a Glance






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A Closer Look

Ninjask (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 244 HP/52 Atk/212 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Protect
- X-Scissor
- Substitute
- Baton Pass
I have had no problems using this lead. I can protect first turn to get a guaranteed speed boost. This will also scout for taunt. If the opposing lead doesn't taunt, I can sub and stall while I get more speed boosts. If the opponent does taunt, I can baton pass to Gliscor.
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Smeargle (M) @ Shed Shell
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 216 HP/196 Def/96 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Ingrain
- Spore
- Spider Web
This Smeargle is meant to trap something and put it to sleep so I can set up. I have yet to use this as I have usually been able to set up without it. (Or my chain is completely broken down and I can't get him in with a sub) Ideally, I would pass him Drifblim's sub with defence and sp. defence boosts, as well as the speed from Ninjask.
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Mr. Mime (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 252 HP/216 SAtk/40 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Calm Mind
- Grass Knot
- Thunderbolt
This Set is meant to counter phazers such as Swampert, Hippowdon and Skarmory. It hasn't been of much use to me yet, but I have heard that it can be pretty useful, so I don't know what to think of this one.
---

Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 104 HP/252 Atk/152 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Aqua Tail
- Baton Pass
- Roost
- Swords Dance
I designed this Gliscor to counter Aerodactyl in case my lead gets taunted. However, while battling on Shoddy I have noticed Aerodactyl isn't the only taunter I should be looking out for. Is there anything better that I could use instead of Gliscor to counter taunters?
---

Drifblim (M) @ Ganlon Berry
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 HP/188 Def/68 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Baton Pass
- Shadow Ball
- Stockpile
- Substitute
Once Ninjask uses as many speed boosts as possible, I usually switch to Drifblim. I can sub up and use three stockpiles, then baton pass on to Gliscor for some swords dance boosts. After enough subs the ganlon berry is activated, giving another defense boost. If I do replace Gliscor I would need something else to use an attack boosting move. The only problem I have noticed with this set is that having only a ghost attacking move means I can't attack normal types, should this move be replaced with something else?
---

Nidoking (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Rivalry
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/4 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Thunderpunch
- Poison Jab
I picked Nidoking as my receiver for two reasons. It has access to Ice, Electric, and Ground moves, so nothing can completely resist its attacks. Also, it is one of my favorite pokemon. I have been disappointed in Nidoking because it is unable to do anything if just one thing goes wrong during the chain passing process. What would be a better finisher? I know boltbeam is more common and powerful than physical alternatives, so I'm thinking of using a special sweeper. This would also eliminate my need for a swords dancer to replace Gliscor.
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So that's my team. I mainly need help countering taunters and finding a good finisher. I would really appreciate any help to make it harder for opponents to break this chain. Thanks!