Hey Smogon! I've been one of those who have always been skeptical of how the metagame would pan out with over 600 pokemon, and as BW arose on the horizon, with threats like Dory looming overhead on Air Balloons, i wondered whether Competitive Pokemon was still for me.
Now, months and months later, i've waited till the metagame quasi-stabilised, and now i finally feel like I'm ready to rejoin the competitive scene.
Team at a Glance:
Team Building (Old team)
There was no doubt these two were the pokemon i wanted on my team for sure. Being a Gen IV fan, i loved U-Turn, as a move, as a concept, it was an awesome attack. Seeing Mienshao in a Warstory, i realised just how useful Regenerator and U-Turn in conjunction really is, and that made Mienshao a shoe-in. Scizor, to me, remains one of the best pokemon, and with access to Technician STAB U-Turn, the choice was basically made for me.
With U-Turn spamming high on the priority list, i needed a way to abuse that momentum, and make the most of the switches i could force. Hazards seemed the best way to do that, and Ferrothorn seemed the best to do just that. High Defenses and access to Leech Seed sealed the deal.
Well, now to deal with the second knife-edge. U-Turn also made me vulnerable to hazards, and so i needed a Spinner. With two steels types 4x weak to Fire, i needed a Fire resist, who could run a fast Rapid Spin. Starmie really was a no-brainer.
So, i thought...U-Turn on only two pokemon made the strategy too obvious. One U-Turns to the other, and the other U-Turns back. It became too predictable, it needed another turning point. Enter Jirachi. Discussing it with friends, we decided the team needed some decent bulk and a way to cripple opposing walls, as repeated bashing from U-Turn doesn't always work. TrickScarf made Jirachi easily the best choice for the job.
There was still a huge Fire problem with 3 Steels, so i needed an immunity or resist, in case Starmie fell. Heatran's Flash Fire made it a good choice, or so i thought. Sadly, 4 steels is stupid, and i hadn't noticed that. After watching Heatran fall all too often, this happened:
Bulky Gyara. Fire resist, access to ResTalk, and as a bonus a ground immunity.
In Detail
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Hasty, Regenerator
252 Atk / 24 SpA / 232 Spe
U-Turn
Hidden Power Ice
High Jump Kick
Stone Edge
Mienshao was the inspiration for the team. Regenerator and U-Turn seemed too good to pass up on paper, and it hasn't let me down yet. I generally use it as my 'lead' in Team Preview, and i often end up leading with it anyways. With Choice Scarf, i outspeed many more threats (over 30 extra pokemon are outsped with Choice Scarf vs LO, some even after a +1 or +2 speed boost), and few see it coming, expecting a Fake Out LO set instead. This lets me get off a fast U-Turn to scout, and because i switch out immediately after, it helps keep my Scarf a secret (though an observant opponent would notice Mienshao being unusually speedy, the Scarf isn't really a top-secret thing, just a nasty surprise). Mienshao also serves as my switch in, should i kill something with U-turn, as it is fast enough with its coverage to threaten most things.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Adamant, Technician
248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
U-Turn
Bullet Punch
Superpower
Pursuit
The point of this team was to keep offensive pressure almost constantly, and for that i needed someone else who packed U-Turn with a punch. Scizor often acts as the most offensive and damaging of the three U-Turn users, relying on it's Choice Band and Technician and STAB on U-Turn to make a dent in anything that it hits. Scizor also carries Pursuit, to revenge any Ghost types (Psychic isn't a threat to a team with three U-Turn abusers), and hurts Burungeru if Starmie can't. Bullet Punch is there as Priority, and hence i also tend to leave Scizor alive until the end, just in case i need a priority attack at the end.
Tentacruel @ Leftovers
Bold, Liquid Ooze
252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Toxic Spikes
Rapid Spin
Surf
Hidden Power Fire
Okay, I've been testing out this gal because frankly, Ferrothorn's too stall-y for my tastes. She also has Toxic Spikes and the ability to absorb them. Though i lose Stealth Rock, the ability to poison is really great, and with Quagsire inflicting Sleep and Burn, the loss of SR isn't too big a problem. She also provides another Fire resist, while having HP Fire to deal with the Ferrothorns who love to switch in. Also, she combines Toxic Spiker and Spinner into one pokemon, so she saves team space too!
Infernape @ Life Orb
Hasty, Blaze
252 Atk/252 Spe/4 SpA (EV's open to suggestion)
Overheat
U-Turn
Close Combat
Mach Punch
Hopefully the solution to my Excadrill problems. Mainly included for his Fire Resist, Infernape's access to U-Turn i hope will make this team more unpredictable, giving it a total of 4 U-Turn abusers now. Close Combat acts as a third (STAB'd) Fighting Type attack, which is nice when HJK (Mienshao) and Superpower (Scizor) happen to be off the field. Overheat is there for sheer power, and Mach Punch should hopefully help take out Excadrill.
*This guy, as you can see, took Starmie's place. That's not yet permanent. In fact, i don't want it to be permanent, as it leaves me without a Spinner. With 4 U-Turn users, that's obviously a big problem. The main idea is to remove Ferrothorn soon, replacing it with Forretress. While normally i'd use Ferro, Forretress can combine Spiker and Spinner into one, which means one more slot open, which will let Infernape stay. Infernape may also end up being replaced by a Gliscor (also Excadrill counter), or back to Starmie if Forretress proves to be crap).
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Jolly, Serene Grace
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Trick
U-Turn
Iron Head
Fire Punch
Jirachi is the third and final U-Turn abuser, and in fact, it could possibly be more useful than Scizor sometimes. I find from Mienshao, most likely Jirachi comes out next. Anyways, U-Turn needs no explanation by now, while Fire Punch acts as my counter to Bronzong and Skarmory. Iron Head is...well, Iron Head. Finch Hax, you know the deal. Trick is my favorite move of this set, as with the constant U-Turning, and the Choice Scarf, it is easy fire off a Trick to cripple a wall, especially if Jirachi's coming in after a U-Turn. Most people simply expect the obvious Iron Head, or another U-Turn, and hence leave their wall in, generally to Status (Burn). TrickScarf is a nice little surprise to throw their way.
Quagsire @ Leftovers | Unaware
Sassy | 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Scald / Recover / Yawn / Earthquake
Tomahawk9's suggestion, an Unaware Quagsire. It's main purpose is what Gyara's was (goodbye Gyara... :( Thanks for everything), and that is to wall the hell out of anything and anyone. However,where Gyara failed, Quagsire succeeds. Unaware means NP Thundurus is about as scary as Castform, and Rotom-W can't sweep my team anymore. Yawn also finally gives mea way to induce Sleep, and Scald to burn, which are the main reasons why this took Gyara's spot.
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Hasty, Regenerator
252 Atk / 24 SpA / 232 Spe
U-Turn
Hidden Power Ice
High Jump Kick
Stone Edge
Mienshao was the inspiration for the team. Regenerator and U-Turn seemed too good to pass up on paper, and it hasn't let me down yet. I generally use it as my 'lead' in Team Preview, and i often end up leading with it anyways. With Choice Scarf, i outspeed many more threats (over 30 extra pokemon are outsped with Choice Scarf vs LO, some even after a +1 or +2 speed boost), and few see it coming, expecting a Fake Out LO set instead. This lets me get off a fast U-Turn to scout, and because i switch out immediately after, it helps keep my Scarf a secret (though an observant opponent would notice Mienshao being unusually speedy, the Scarf isn't really a top-secret thing, just a nasty surprise). Mienshao also serves as my switch in, should i kill something with U-turn, as it is fast enough with its coverage to threaten most things.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Adamant, Technician
248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
U-Turn
Bullet Punch
Superpower
Pursuit
The point of this team was to keep offensive pressure almost constantly, and for that i needed someone else who packed U-Turn with a punch. Scizor often acts as the most offensive and damaging of the three U-Turn users, relying on it's Choice Band and Technician and STAB on U-Turn to make a dent in anything that it hits. Scizor also carries Pursuit, to revenge any Ghost types (Psychic isn't a threat to a team with three U-Turn abusers), and hurts Burungeru if Starmie can't. Bullet Punch is there as Priority, and hence i also tend to leave Scizor alive until the end, just in case i need a priority attack at the end.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Relaxed, Iron Barbs
252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpDef
Spikes
Leech Seed
Protect
Gyro Ball
My main wall, and hazard provider. Ferrothorn generally gets switched in after one of my U-Turn users, if i suspect the other two cannot take the attack on the switch. The Carnivorous Durian Fruit also serves another role; i switch him in to take an attack, and let Iron Barbs finish off anyone i've already severely crippled. Overall, i find him less useful than i'd hoped, as i rarely use him as a turning point, so i'm open to suggestions. I just don't know what could bring hazards and wall as well as Ferrothorn.
Starmie @ Leftovers
Timid, Natural Cure
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt
Hydro Pump
Rapid Spin
The obligatory Rapid Spinner, basically. Starmie lets my U-Turn pokemon work their magic, by clearing my side of the field of hazards. I just wish, though, that Starmie could switch in more. I find myself rarely daring to bring it in, knowing that it can rarely take a hit. Still, it is almost essential in its role, and packs the only Electric attack on the team. I've been considering two options here: change to a very Defensive EV Spread with Max Speed, or replace both Starmie and Ferrothorn with a Sturdy Forretress. I'd appreciate help on which option is better.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Jolly, Serene Grace
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Trick
U-Turn
Iron Head
Fire Punch
Jirachi is the third and final U-Turn abuser, and in fact, it could possibly be more useful than Scizor sometimes. I find from Mienshao, most likely Jirachi comes out next. Anyways, U-Turn needs no explanation by now, while Fire Punch acts as my counter to Bronzong and Skarmory. Iron Head is...well, Iron Head. Finch Hax, you know the deal. Trick is my favorite move of this set, as with the constant U-Turning, and the Choice Scarf, it is easy fire off a Trick to cripple a wall, especially if Jirachi's coming in after a U-Turn. Most people simply expect the obvious Iron Head, or another U-Turn, and hence leave their wall in, generally to Status (Burn). TrickScarf is a nice little surprise to throw their way.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Impish, Intmidate
248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Rest
Sleep Talk
Waterfall
Roar
Wow. This thing was a last minute addition, but i'd argue it is the most important member of the team as of now. Whenever the three U-Turn abusers aren't spamming their attacks and need a wall to switch to, Gyarados generally comes in and walls like a champ (that may be due to Jirachi and Scizor's Fire weakness....). It also acts as my Status absorber, and as a wall Intimidate helps a lot. My only complaint is that Roar isn't anywhere near as useful as i'd hoped. Even though in theory i need a Phazer, with Ferrothorn not serving it's purpose too well, i've not found a need for Roar. I'm considering replacing it with either Ice Fang, or Dragon Tail. Is that a good idea?
Major Threats
So, yeah, that's it. Please rate and criticise, preferably constructively. :)
Now, months and months later, i've waited till the metagame quasi-stabilised, and now i finally feel like I'm ready to rejoin the competitive scene.
Team at a Glance:
Team Building (Old team)
There was no doubt these two were the pokemon i wanted on my team for sure. Being a Gen IV fan, i loved U-Turn, as a move, as a concept, it was an awesome attack. Seeing Mienshao in a Warstory, i realised just how useful Regenerator and U-Turn in conjunction really is, and that made Mienshao a shoe-in. Scizor, to me, remains one of the best pokemon, and with access to Technician STAB U-Turn, the choice was basically made for me.
With U-Turn spamming high on the priority list, i needed a way to abuse that momentum, and make the most of the switches i could force. Hazards seemed the best way to do that, and Ferrothorn seemed the best to do just that. High Defenses and access to Leech Seed sealed the deal.
Well, now to deal with the second knife-edge. U-Turn also made me vulnerable to hazards, and so i needed a Spinner. With two steels types 4x weak to Fire, i needed a Fire resist, who could run a fast Rapid Spin. Starmie really was a no-brainer.
So, i thought...U-Turn on only two pokemon made the strategy too obvious. One U-Turns to the other, and the other U-Turns back. It became too predictable, it needed another turning point. Enter Jirachi. Discussing it with friends, we decided the team needed some decent bulk and a way to cripple opposing walls, as repeated bashing from U-Turn doesn't always work. TrickScarf made Jirachi easily the best choice for the job.
There was still a huge Fire problem with 3 Steels, so i needed an immunity or resist, in case Starmie fell. Heatran's Flash Fire made it a good choice, or so i thought. Sadly, 4 steels is stupid, and i hadn't noticed that. After watching Heatran fall all too often, this happened:
Bulky Gyara. Fire resist, access to ResTalk, and as a bonus a ground immunity.
In Detail
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Hasty, Regenerator
252 Atk / 24 SpA / 232 Spe
U-Turn
Hidden Power Ice
High Jump Kick
Stone Edge
Mienshao was the inspiration for the team. Regenerator and U-Turn seemed too good to pass up on paper, and it hasn't let me down yet. I generally use it as my 'lead' in Team Preview, and i often end up leading with it anyways. With Choice Scarf, i outspeed many more threats (over 30 extra pokemon are outsped with Choice Scarf vs LO, some even after a +1 or +2 speed boost), and few see it coming, expecting a Fake Out LO set instead. This lets me get off a fast U-Turn to scout, and because i switch out immediately after, it helps keep my Scarf a secret (though an observant opponent would notice Mienshao being unusually speedy, the Scarf isn't really a top-secret thing, just a nasty surprise). Mienshao also serves as my switch in, should i kill something with U-turn, as it is fast enough with its coverage to threaten most things.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Adamant, Technician
248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
U-Turn
Bullet Punch
Superpower
Pursuit
The point of this team was to keep offensive pressure almost constantly, and for that i needed someone else who packed U-Turn with a punch. Scizor often acts as the most offensive and damaging of the three U-Turn users, relying on it's Choice Band and Technician and STAB on U-Turn to make a dent in anything that it hits. Scizor also carries Pursuit, to revenge any Ghost types (Psychic isn't a threat to a team with three U-Turn abusers), and hurts Burungeru if Starmie can't. Bullet Punch is there as Priority, and hence i also tend to leave Scizor alive until the end, just in case i need a priority attack at the end.
Tentacruel @ Leftovers
Bold, Liquid Ooze
252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Toxic Spikes
Rapid Spin
Surf
Hidden Power Fire
Okay, I've been testing out this gal because frankly, Ferrothorn's too stall-y for my tastes. She also has Toxic Spikes and the ability to absorb them. Though i lose Stealth Rock, the ability to poison is really great, and with Quagsire inflicting Sleep and Burn, the loss of SR isn't too big a problem. She also provides another Fire resist, while having HP Fire to deal with the Ferrothorns who love to switch in. Also, she combines Toxic Spiker and Spinner into one pokemon, so she saves team space too!
Infernape @ Life Orb
Hasty, Blaze
252 Atk/252 Spe/4 SpA (EV's open to suggestion)
Overheat
U-Turn
Close Combat
Mach Punch
Hopefully the solution to my Excadrill problems. Mainly included for his Fire Resist, Infernape's access to U-Turn i hope will make this team more unpredictable, giving it a total of 4 U-Turn abusers now. Close Combat acts as a third (STAB'd) Fighting Type attack, which is nice when HJK (Mienshao) and Superpower (Scizor) happen to be off the field. Overheat is there for sheer power, and Mach Punch should hopefully help take out Excadrill.
*This guy, as you can see, took Starmie's place. That's not yet permanent. In fact, i don't want it to be permanent, as it leaves me without a Spinner. With 4 U-Turn users, that's obviously a big problem. The main idea is to remove Ferrothorn soon, replacing it with Forretress. While normally i'd use Ferro, Forretress can combine Spiker and Spinner into one, which means one more slot open, which will let Infernape stay. Infernape may also end up being replaced by a Gliscor (also Excadrill counter), or back to Starmie if Forretress proves to be crap).
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Jolly, Serene Grace
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Trick
U-Turn
Iron Head
Fire Punch
Jirachi is the third and final U-Turn abuser, and in fact, it could possibly be more useful than Scizor sometimes. I find from Mienshao, most likely Jirachi comes out next. Anyways, U-Turn needs no explanation by now, while Fire Punch acts as my counter to Bronzong and Skarmory. Iron Head is...well, Iron Head. Finch Hax, you know the deal. Trick is my favorite move of this set, as with the constant U-Turning, and the Choice Scarf, it is easy fire off a Trick to cripple a wall, especially if Jirachi's coming in after a U-Turn. Most people simply expect the obvious Iron Head, or another U-Turn, and hence leave their wall in, generally to Status (Burn). TrickScarf is a nice little surprise to throw their way.
Quagsire @ Leftovers | Unaware
Sassy | 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Scald / Recover / Yawn / Earthquake
Tomahawk9's suggestion, an Unaware Quagsire. It's main purpose is what Gyara's was (goodbye Gyara... :( Thanks for everything), and that is to wall the hell out of anything and anyone. However,where Gyara failed, Quagsire succeeds. Unaware means NP Thundurus is about as scary as Castform, and Rotom-W can't sweep my team anymore. Yawn also finally gives mea way to induce Sleep, and Scald to burn, which are the main reasons why this took Gyara's spot.
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Hasty, Regenerator
252 Atk / 24 SpA / 232 Spe
U-Turn
Hidden Power Ice
High Jump Kick
Stone Edge
Mienshao was the inspiration for the team. Regenerator and U-Turn seemed too good to pass up on paper, and it hasn't let me down yet. I generally use it as my 'lead' in Team Preview, and i often end up leading with it anyways. With Choice Scarf, i outspeed many more threats (over 30 extra pokemon are outsped with Choice Scarf vs LO, some even after a +1 or +2 speed boost), and few see it coming, expecting a Fake Out LO set instead. This lets me get off a fast U-Turn to scout, and because i switch out immediately after, it helps keep my Scarf a secret (though an observant opponent would notice Mienshao being unusually speedy, the Scarf isn't really a top-secret thing, just a nasty surprise). Mienshao also serves as my switch in, should i kill something with U-turn, as it is fast enough with its coverage to threaten most things.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Adamant, Technician
248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
U-Turn
Bullet Punch
Superpower
Pursuit
The point of this team was to keep offensive pressure almost constantly, and for that i needed someone else who packed U-Turn with a punch. Scizor often acts as the most offensive and damaging of the three U-Turn users, relying on it's Choice Band and Technician and STAB on U-Turn to make a dent in anything that it hits. Scizor also carries Pursuit, to revenge any Ghost types (Psychic isn't a threat to a team with three U-Turn abusers), and hurts Burungeru if Starmie can't. Bullet Punch is there as Priority, and hence i also tend to leave Scizor alive until the end, just in case i need a priority attack at the end.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Relaxed, Iron Barbs
252 HP / 48 Def / 208 SpDef
Spikes
Leech Seed
Protect
Gyro Ball
My main wall, and hazard provider. Ferrothorn generally gets switched in after one of my U-Turn users, if i suspect the other two cannot take the attack on the switch. The Carnivorous Durian Fruit also serves another role; i switch him in to take an attack, and let Iron Barbs finish off anyone i've already severely crippled. Overall, i find him less useful than i'd hoped, as i rarely use him as a turning point, so i'm open to suggestions. I just don't know what could bring hazards and wall as well as Ferrothorn.
Starmie @ Leftovers
Timid, Natural Cure
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Ice Beam
Thunderbolt
Hydro Pump
Rapid Spin
The obligatory Rapid Spinner, basically. Starmie lets my U-Turn pokemon work their magic, by clearing my side of the field of hazards. I just wish, though, that Starmie could switch in more. I find myself rarely daring to bring it in, knowing that it can rarely take a hit. Still, it is almost essential in its role, and packs the only Electric attack on the team. I've been considering two options here: change to a very Defensive EV Spread with Max Speed, or replace both Starmie and Ferrothorn with a Sturdy Forretress. I'd appreciate help on which option is better.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Jolly, Serene Grace
252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Trick
U-Turn
Iron Head
Fire Punch
Jirachi is the third and final U-Turn abuser, and in fact, it could possibly be more useful than Scizor sometimes. I find from Mienshao, most likely Jirachi comes out next. Anyways, U-Turn needs no explanation by now, while Fire Punch acts as my counter to Bronzong and Skarmory. Iron Head is...well, Iron Head. Finch Hax, you know the deal. Trick is my favorite move of this set, as with the constant U-Turning, and the Choice Scarf, it is easy fire off a Trick to cripple a wall, especially if Jirachi's coming in after a U-Turn. Most people simply expect the obvious Iron Head, or another U-Turn, and hence leave their wall in, generally to Status (Burn). TrickScarf is a nice little surprise to throw their way.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Impish, Intmidate
248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Rest
Sleep Talk
Waterfall
Roar
Wow. This thing was a last minute addition, but i'd argue it is the most important member of the team as of now. Whenever the three U-Turn abusers aren't spamming their attacks and need a wall to switch to, Gyarados generally comes in and walls like a champ (that may be due to Jirachi and Scizor's Fire weakness....). It also acts as my Status absorber, and as a wall Intimidate helps a lot. My only complaint is that Roar isn't anywhere near as useful as i'd hoped. Even though in theory i need a Phazer, with Ferrothorn not serving it's purpose too well, i've not found a need for Roar. I'm considering replacing it with either Ice Fang, or Dragon Tail. Is that a good idea?
Earthquake: This is a big one. While Gyarados helped to alleviate that a lot, and draws in Stone Edge to allow others to come in, the three Steels present still makes the team hugely weak to EQ. I'd appreciate some help on how to correct this one.
Excadrill: See above. I normally cripple it with Jirachi after something dies, but that's not exactly a good thing.
Burungeru: While Scizor deals with it quickly and easily, it's a pain to get Scizor in, in the first place, as Scizor lacks any way to heal. Not too big of a problem, though.
Excadrill: See above. I normally cripple it with Jirachi after something dies, but that's not exactly a good thing.
Burungeru: While Scizor deals with it quickly and easily, it's a pain to get Scizor in, in the first place, as Scizor lacks any way to heal. Not too big of a problem, though.
So, yeah, that's it. Please rate and criticise, preferably constructively. :)
