QC Checks: [ Spirit ] [ Molk ] [ atomicllamas ]
GP Checks: [ Muk ] [ GatoDelFuego ]
Swords Dance
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name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Seed Bomb / Bullet Seed
ability: Chlorophyll
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Swords Dance is used to boost Shiftry's Attack stat to impressive levels, allowing it to muscle through teams. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the target's item, making it a spammable move with no drawbacks that can cripple nearly all Pokemon. Sucker Punch is a strong priority move that allows Shiftry to OHKO Hitmonlee at +2 as well as threaten faster Pokemon. Seed Bomb is another STAB move that allows Shiftry to hit Pokemon such as Alomomola, Aromatisse, and Rhyperior for super effective damage, while Bullet Seed is mainly used to KO Omastar leads, preventing them from setting up any entry hazards. Low Kick is an option, as at +2 it KOes Cobalion as well as Virizion after Stealth Rock damage. This allows Shiftry to work as a lure to these two Pokemon. Low Kick should only be used with Focus Sash; Shiftry can set up as these Pokemon switch in, take any hit, and KO in return with Low Kick. With Focus Sash, Shiftry can also potentially break through a slightly weakened Aromatisse with Seed Bomb.
Set Details
========
The EV spread is straightforward, with maximum Attack and Speed investment. A Jolly nature is used primarily to outspeed Adamant Gallade and Hitmonlee and OHKO them at +2 with Sucker Punch, which outprioritizes the latter's Mach Punch. Life Orb is used to maximize damage output, although Focus Sash is an option that should only be used with Low Kick. An Adamant nature is not preferred because it leaves Shiftry prone to being revenge killed by the likes of Mach Punch Hitmonlee.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Shiftry should be used as a late-game sweeper and should only attempt to sweep when its checks and counters, such as Cobalion, Virizion (in case you're not using Focus Sash), and Drapion are either weakened or eliminated. Shiftry can also be used early-game for its strong Knock Off, or to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. This will also lead the opponent into thinking that Shiftry is not carrying Swords Dance, only to be surprised with a late-game sweep. Beware of U-turn Gligar, as it can potentially KO Shiftry. If Bullet Seed is used and the opponent has what looks like an Omastar lead, then Shiftry should be used as a lead to prevent Omastar from setting up entry hazards. Finally, Knock Off is a spammable move that cripples a lot of Pokemon, so use it freely.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards are important for Swords Dance Shiftry as they can really help it sweep late-game by inflicting residual damage on the opponent's Pokemon. For this reason, Spikes users such as Omastar, which also has access to Stealth Rock, and Accelgor are appreciated. Qwilfish has access to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, the latter of which really weaken offensive teams, allowing Shiftry to easily sweep. Stealth Rock users such as Druddigon, Cobalion, and Rhyperior are also appreciated. The latter two can also check Drapion and Skuntank.
Doublade is a good partner as it can counter Cobalion and Virizion, two Pokemon that could potentially counter Shiftry. Additionally, Doublade can also spinblock and keep the entry hazards that Shiftry loves intact. Certain wallbreakers, such as Clawitzer, Choice Specs Meloetta, and Choice Specs or Calm Mind Delphox, are good to wear down the opponent's walls, giving Shiftry an easier time sweeping. Hitmonlee is also a wallbreaker, and it has access to Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards on Shiftry's side of the field. Choice Band Dugtrio is a good partner because it can trap and KO a slightly weakened Cobalion and OHKO Virizion with Aerial Ace. Life Orb Dugtrio also has access to Memento, which can help Shiftry set up. Finally, if Focus Sash and Low Kick are used, then Pokemon that like Aromatisse, Cobalion, and Virizion gone are appreciated; Hitmonlee, Choice Band Druddigon, Sharpedo, and Electric-types in general are some examples of these.
GP Checks: [ Muk ] [ GatoDelFuego ]
Swords Dance
########
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Seed Bomb / Bullet Seed
ability: Chlorophyll
item: Life Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
Swords Dance is used to boost Shiftry's Attack stat to impressive levels, allowing it to muscle through teams. Knock Off is a powerful STAB move that removes the target's item, making it a spammable move with no drawbacks that can cripple nearly all Pokemon. Sucker Punch is a strong priority move that allows Shiftry to OHKO Hitmonlee at +2 as well as threaten faster Pokemon. Seed Bomb is another STAB move that allows Shiftry to hit Pokemon such as Alomomola, Aromatisse, and Rhyperior for super effective damage, while Bullet Seed is mainly used to KO Omastar leads, preventing them from setting up any entry hazards. Low Kick is an option, as at +2 it KOes Cobalion as well as Virizion after Stealth Rock damage. This allows Shiftry to work as a lure to these two Pokemon. Low Kick should only be used with Focus Sash; Shiftry can set up as these Pokemon switch in, take any hit, and KO in return with Low Kick. With Focus Sash, Shiftry can also potentially break through a slightly weakened Aromatisse with Seed Bomb.
Set Details
========
The EV spread is straightforward, with maximum Attack and Speed investment. A Jolly nature is used primarily to outspeed Adamant Gallade and Hitmonlee and OHKO them at +2 with Sucker Punch, which outprioritizes the latter's Mach Punch. Life Orb is used to maximize damage output, although Focus Sash is an option that should only be used with Low Kick. An Adamant nature is not preferred because it leaves Shiftry prone to being revenge killed by the likes of Mach Punch Hitmonlee.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Shiftry should be used as a late-game sweeper and should only attempt to sweep when its checks and counters, such as Cobalion, Virizion (in case you're not using Focus Sash), and Drapion are either weakened or eliminated. Shiftry can also be used early-game for its strong Knock Off, or to revenge kill with Sucker Punch. This will also lead the opponent into thinking that Shiftry is not carrying Swords Dance, only to be surprised with a late-game sweep. Beware of U-turn Gligar, as it can potentially KO Shiftry. If Bullet Seed is used and the opponent has what looks like an Omastar lead, then Shiftry should be used as a lead to prevent Omastar from setting up entry hazards. Finally, Knock Off is a spammable move that cripples a lot of Pokemon, so use it freely.
Team Options
========
Entry hazards are important for Swords Dance Shiftry as they can really help it sweep late-game by inflicting residual damage on the opponent's Pokemon. For this reason, Spikes users such as Omastar, which also has access to Stealth Rock, and Accelgor are appreciated. Qwilfish has access to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, the latter of which really weaken offensive teams, allowing Shiftry to easily sweep. Stealth Rock users such as Druddigon, Cobalion, and Rhyperior are also appreciated. The latter two can also check Drapion and Skuntank.
Doublade is a good partner as it can counter Cobalion and Virizion, two Pokemon that could potentially counter Shiftry. Additionally, Doublade can also spinblock and keep the entry hazards that Shiftry loves intact. Certain wallbreakers, such as Clawitzer, Choice Specs Meloetta, and Choice Specs or Calm Mind Delphox, are good to wear down the opponent's walls, giving Shiftry an easier time sweeping. Hitmonlee is also a wallbreaker, and it has access to Rapid Spin to remove any entry hazards on Shiftry's side of the field. Choice Band Dugtrio is a good partner because it can trap and KO a slightly weakened Cobalion and OHKO Virizion with Aerial Ace. Life Orb Dugtrio also has access to Memento, which can help Shiftry set up. Finally, if Focus Sash and Low Kick are used, then Pokemon that like Aromatisse, Cobalion, and Virizion gone are appreciated; Hitmonlee, Choice Band Druddigon, Sharpedo, and Electric-types in general are some examples of these.
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