Introduction
I love creativity and offense. Almost all of the teams in my Shoddy file have a creative lead and KO'ers you would least expect. This team takes a similar approach: look at a basic team, scramble it with new ideas, and glue it together to form a solid team. Without further adieu:
The goal: set up as much obstacles as you can, and set up some mind games. Simple, yet complicated. Easy, yet challenging. Lots and lots of paradoxes.
Team Building
I wanted to make a stall team. One that didn't rely necessarily on individually stalling, but as a team. So, with stalling comes traps.
With an obvious choice out of the way, I still needed that third arena trap. So, Stealth Rock leads are a given. However, not a whole lot of Stealth Rock leads are useful for team synergy, which is what this stall team is about. So, I chose a lead that has half SR lead, and half creativity.
I needed a solid physical wall. One that could use moves outside of Whirlwind and Spikes (I'm looking at you, 'Mory) and could play well into my team. With my own "No Blissey" rule intact, I decided to go into a UU direction. A Pokemon that has high defenses, cripple, attack, and heal status problems for the party.
Now, what my intent to do was to use a Pokemon that could make opponents cry in frustration, not because of just itself, but because of how well it works with the team. Who needs power or specials when you can have annoyance?
Now I needed someone to take quick advantage over my traps. However, most of today's Choice'ers are pretty frail in nature. So, with a different EV set, a less powerful Banded sweeper becomes as powerful as before, and even bulkier.
To fill out the last slot, I needed some coverage assurance. I have three weak to fighting, and two that are neutral: not very good. I also needed someone to end those pesky BP teams and to make sure my teams gets some extra switch coverage.
In-Depth Analysis
I love creativity and offense. Almost all of the teams in my Shoddy file have a creative lead and KO'ers you would least expect. This team takes a similar approach: look at a basic team, scramble it with new ideas, and glue it together to form a solid team. Without further adieu:
The goal: set up as much obstacles as you can, and set up some mind games. Simple, yet complicated. Easy, yet challenging. Lots and lots of paradoxes.
Team Building
I wanted to make a stall team. One that didn't rely necessarily on individually stalling, but as a team. So, with stalling comes traps.
With an obvious choice out of the way, I still needed that third arena trap. So, Stealth Rock leads are a given. However, not a whole lot of Stealth Rock leads are useful for team synergy, which is what this stall team is about. So, I chose a lead that has half SR lead, and half creativity.
I needed a solid physical wall. One that could use moves outside of Whirlwind and Spikes (I'm looking at you, 'Mory) and could play well into my team. With my own "No Blissey" rule intact, I decided to go into a UU direction. A Pokemon that has high defenses, cripple, attack, and heal status problems for the party.
Now, what my intent to do was to use a Pokemon that could make opponents cry in frustration, not because of just itself, but because of how well it works with the team. Who needs power or specials when you can have annoyance?
Now I needed someone to take quick advantage over my traps. However, most of today's Choice'ers are pretty frail in nature. So, with a different EV set, a less powerful Banded sweeper becomes as powerful as before, and even bulkier.
To fill out the last slot, I needed some coverage assurance. I have three weak to fighting, and two that are neutral: not very good. I also needed someone to end those pesky BP teams and to make sure my teams gets some extra switch coverage.
In-Depth Analysis
Stealth Rock/Anti Lead/Status/Anti-Anti-Lead Lead (whew...)
Smeargle (Arteest) @ Focus Sash
Own Tempo
EV's: 150 HP/76 Def/252 Spe/32 Sp.Def
Jolly
Moveset:
Spore
Stealth Rock
Protect
Encore
People tend to use Smeargle for jobs he just should never perform (Belly Drum, Spikes/TSpikes, Explosion, etc.). This moveset makes a whole lot out of very simple ideas. Spore is mandatory, as the option of putting your opponent's lead to sleep is too appealing to pass up. Stealth Rock is a one-and-done deal (not counting Rapid Spinners), which makes it very simple to pull off. That leaves the last two spots, and the opponent's switch-in. I love SubEncore leads, and this guy tries to mimmic that with a little Fake Out insurance. Protect the Fake Out, protect the next move, Encore into submission, Encore then switch into an easy counter: too many options.
EV's: This spread is inconvenient for Explosion sets, but my set thrives off of an extra Spore or Encore, so these EV's help a little. They're pretty much custom as well.
Weaknesses:
Fighting: Celebi, Scizor, Forretress
Against the Top 10 Leads
Azelf: Usually always SR's first. If so, Spore, then SR and Protect/Encore. If it Taunts, switch into Heatran, as most carry Fire Blast, U-Turn, or Psychic, all of which Heatran resists.
Metagross: Tough cookie, especially when it has Lum. Pray for no Lum and EQ and Spore it. If not, Heatran or Miltank works well.
Jirachi: ScarfRach is one tough guy to counter, obviously. Protect to forsee the coming Trick, then switch to somthing like Scizor. Scarfzor works as a revenge killer, so it's viable. Any other sets, and it's Spore time.
Aerodactyl: Taunt for me? Switch to Scizor for the BP.
Swampert: Way too slow. Gets Spore'd easily, then SR.
Infernape: Almost all Fake Out first turn, so he sais hai to Protect to Spore.
Ninjask: Ninjask's BP moves are so good, they deserve...an Encore!
Roserade: Probably my worst match-up, to be honest. No one likes Sleep on this team, but Celebi can Natural Cure it away. Other than that, it's really just Heatran bait.
Smeargle: Spore wars! My EV's will make it tie with the fastest still, but it's tough for the losing side of a Smeargle war, as most others are BP chainers, unlike mine.
Hippowdon: Much like Swampert, but Sandstorm is annoying, especially for an Encore.
Clean-Up Crew (Choice Band)
Scizor (Skizor) @ Choice Band
Technician
EV's: 176 HP/ 100 Atk/232 Sp.Def
Adamant
Moveset:
- Bullet Punch
- U-Turn
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Normally, for clean-up, you need someone to have some OHKO power. On this team, it's possible for opponents to have around 64% damage on the switch-in, making Attack less of an EV priority. This Scizor takes advantage of that by bolstering its other areas (HP, Sp. Def) as well as its Attack. CB puts enough power into its attacks to rip right through opponents. A great way to finish of the meal.
EV's: "But DrkSlay, why choose the Uber CB set?" Simple: I doubt that, unless my opponent happens to shut down all of my trappers, my opponent's Pokemon will enter the field unscathed. This set has enough power to rip through remnants as well as take some heat from attacks.
Weaknesses:
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Please, No More...(TormenTran)
Heatran (Molten) @ Leftovers
Flash Fire
EV's: 244 HP/220 Spe/32 Sp.Atk/12 Sp.Def
Calm
Moveset:
- Substitute
- Torment
- Protect
- Lava Plume
Nothing makes an opponent go "YARGH!" more than this guy. I love the idea: Heatran only loses its sub pretty much when it gets hit with a SE attack. Torment leads to chaos, and you know the rest. Best of all, combined with Encore, or shipped off to another Poke, Torment causes a lot of switch-in damage and problems for my opponent. I've won battles where my opponent Struggles himself to death - pretty funny. God synergy with Scizor and Forretress, as the 4X weakness to Fire is not helpful to them.
EV's: Basic EV spread for TormenTran, not a whole lot more to add.
Weaknesses:
Ground - Celebi, Miltank, Scizor, Forretress
Spinin' and Winning! (Traps)
Forretress (Peek-A-Boo) @ Shed Shell
Sturdy
EV's: 252 HP/4 Def/252 Sp.Def
Calm
Moveset:
- TSpikes
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Explosion
Forretress is a simple guy: he uses Spikes, TSpikes, and when in danger, Explodes. But, hey, can a Trainer ask for any more? Forretress puts the icing on the cake for my team, adding multiple layers of spikes for all occasions. Note that Spikes have a priority over TSpikes, as Toxic is somewhat of an option over someone else's TWave,and for this team, damage is key.
EV's: Manilla Vanilla. Nothing special to see here, just move on out...
Weaknesses:
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Cele-bration Song! (Perish Song Stopper)
Celebi (Bee) @ Leftovers
Natural Cure
EV's: 252HP/220 Def/36 Spe
Bold
Moveset:
- Perish Song
- U-Turn
- Grass Knot
- Recover
Celebi plays two parts for this team: one, she's the Resistance, resisting what a lot of this team is weak to: fighting, and two, she gets rid of BP teams or weaker leftovers. Much like Encore, PS helps out the team greatly.
EV's: Normal EV spread.
Weaknesses:
Bug: Heatran, Scizor, Forretress
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Ghost: Scizor, Heatran, Forretress, Miltank, Smeargle
Dark: Scizor, Heatran, Forretress
Ice: Heatran, Scizor, Forretress
Moo Moo Milk! (UtilityWall)
Miltank (Udders) @ Leftovers
Scrappy
EV's: 252HP/224 Def/32 Spe
Impish
Moveset:
- Body Slam
- TWave
- Milk Drink
- Heal Bell
Underrated physical wall, Miltank crushes the competition through speed. This guy can take a few hits, and dish out the pain, ghosts or not. TWave and Milk Drink are so tempting, even after a Torment. This guy stops Gyara as well, flat. Great additions. However, TWave clashes with Toxic, so could use opinions there...
EV's: Same as above.
Weaknesses:
Fighting: Celebi, Scizor, Forretress
Smeargle (Arteest) @ Focus Sash
Own Tempo
EV's: 150 HP/76 Def/252 Spe/32 Sp.Def
Jolly
Moveset:
Spore
Stealth Rock
Protect
Encore
People tend to use Smeargle for jobs he just should never perform (Belly Drum, Spikes/TSpikes, Explosion, etc.). This moveset makes a whole lot out of very simple ideas. Spore is mandatory, as the option of putting your opponent's lead to sleep is too appealing to pass up. Stealth Rock is a one-and-done deal (not counting Rapid Spinners), which makes it very simple to pull off. That leaves the last two spots, and the opponent's switch-in. I love SubEncore leads, and this guy tries to mimmic that with a little Fake Out insurance. Protect the Fake Out, protect the next move, Encore into submission, Encore then switch into an easy counter: too many options.
EV's: This spread is inconvenient for Explosion sets, but my set thrives off of an extra Spore or Encore, so these EV's help a little. They're pretty much custom as well.
Weaknesses:
Fighting: Celebi, Scizor, Forretress
Against the Top 10 Leads
Clean-Up Crew (Choice Band)
Scizor (Skizor) @ Choice Band
Technician
EV's: 176 HP/ 100 Atk/232 Sp.Def
Adamant
Moveset:
- Bullet Punch
- U-Turn
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Normally, for clean-up, you need someone to have some OHKO power. On this team, it's possible for opponents to have around 64% damage on the switch-in, making Attack less of an EV priority. This Scizor takes advantage of that by bolstering its other areas (HP, Sp. Def) as well as its Attack. CB puts enough power into its attacks to rip right through opponents. A great way to finish of the meal.
EV's: "But DrkSlay, why choose the Uber CB set?" Simple: I doubt that, unless my opponent happens to shut down all of my trappers, my opponent's Pokemon will enter the field unscathed. This set has enough power to rip through remnants as well as take some heat from attacks.
Weaknesses:
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Please, No More...(TormenTran)
Heatran (Molten) @ Leftovers
Flash Fire
EV's: 244 HP/220 Spe/32 Sp.Atk/12 Sp.Def
Calm
Moveset:
- Substitute
- Torment
- Protect
- Lava Plume
Nothing makes an opponent go "YARGH!" more than this guy. I love the idea: Heatran only loses its sub pretty much when it gets hit with a SE attack. Torment leads to chaos, and you know the rest. Best of all, combined with Encore, or shipped off to another Poke, Torment causes a lot of switch-in damage and problems for my opponent. I've won battles where my opponent Struggles himself to death - pretty funny. God synergy with Scizor and Forretress, as the 4X weakness to Fire is not helpful to them.
EV's: Basic EV spread for TormenTran, not a whole lot more to add.
Weaknesses:
Ground - Celebi, Miltank, Scizor, Forretress
Spinin' and Winning! (Traps)
Forretress (Peek-A-Boo) @ Shed Shell
Sturdy
EV's: 252 HP/4 Def/252 Sp.Def
Calm
Moveset:
- TSpikes
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Explosion
Forretress is a simple guy: he uses Spikes, TSpikes, and when in danger, Explodes. But, hey, can a Trainer ask for any more? Forretress puts the icing on the cake for my team, adding multiple layers of spikes for all occasions. Note that Spikes have a priority over TSpikes, as Toxic is somewhat of an option over someone else's TWave,and for this team, damage is key.
EV's: Manilla Vanilla. Nothing special to see here, just move on out...
Weaknesses:
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Cele-bration Song! (Perish Song Stopper)
Celebi (Bee) @ Leftovers
Natural Cure
EV's: 252HP/220 Def/36 Spe
Bold
Moveset:
- Perish Song
- U-Turn
- Grass Knot
- Recover
Celebi plays two parts for this team: one, she's the Resistance, resisting what a lot of this team is weak to: fighting, and two, she gets rid of BP teams or weaker leftovers. Much like Encore, PS helps out the team greatly.
EV's: Normal EV spread.
Weaknesses:
Bug: Heatran, Scizor, Forretress
Fire: Heatran, Miltank
Ghost: Scizor, Heatran, Forretress, Miltank, Smeargle
Dark: Scizor, Heatran, Forretress
Ice: Heatran, Scizor, Forretress
Moo Moo Milk! (UtilityWall)
Miltank (Udders) @ Leftovers
Scrappy
EV's: 252HP/224 Def/32 Spe
Impish
Moveset:
- Body Slam
- TWave
- Milk Drink
- Heal Bell
Underrated physical wall, Miltank crushes the competition through speed. This guy can take a few hits, and dish out the pain, ghosts or not. TWave and Milk Drink are so tempting, even after a Torment. This guy stops Gyara as well, flat. Great additions. However, TWave clashes with Toxic, so could use opinions there...
EV's: Same as above.
Weaknesses:
Fighting: Celebi, Scizor, Forretress
Closing Thoughts
Go ahead, enjoy the team. Live, laugh, learn. :)
Go ahead, enjoy the team. Live, laugh, learn. :)
