SS OU This is my first team. I tried my hand at hyper-offense.

[sam1oq]

Hey there I just constructed my first team and I'd like some feedback. It has worked moderately well so far (10 games or so), but there have been a couple of problems with it I've been unable to fix thus far.

Mew @ Red Card
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Flare Blitz

Suicide lead. I copied the set on the dex. I've noticed Flair Blitz to be pretty useless, so I'm thinking of switching it to something else. I'm not sure what yet though. Explosion and Toxic seem like good options.

Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

I think this is self-explanatory.

Alakazam @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 28 Def / 228 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Nasty Plot
- Focus Blast

Meant to kill things. The main problem I've encountered is that it's hard to switch in and get it set up.

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 140 Def / 116 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Body Press
- Flash Cannon
- Toxic

This thing has worked surprisingly well. It's a steel type remover, and the Choice Scarf gives it a nice unexpected boost. I figured Body Press would be nice against opposing Ferrothorn and Excadrill (assuming it doesn't also use choice scarf).

Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Stealth Rock
- Shadow Claw

To kill things obviously. The Stealth Rock hasn't been used so far so I guess I could replace it with something else. Shadow Claw is for Dragapult and other psychics, but for the former it hasn't proved very useful unfortunately.

Urshifu-Rapid-Strike @ Choice Band
Ability: Unseen Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Surging Strikes
- Close Combat
- Ice Punch

I needed something to deal with fire types and ground types.

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Weaknesses I've noticed are pokemon that successfully set up substitute and start setting up, dragon types (Dragapult in particular I have no real answer to), Ghost types and sticky web. Also if Volcarona goes down, I have nothing that can properly take down grass, bug, and dark types (ie the stuff Volcarona is good against). Primarina is also a pain if it manages to set up.

Some advice would be helpful. I'm completely new to team building and this is my first try.

 

[ShaoZedong]

Hi Sam,
So seems to be built to 1vs1 and as a result, does not need that many speed evs. I suggest you invest in the defenses if you are trying to get up as many layers as possible and if you really do want to replace flare blitz, close combat can also badly damage it. Of course, u-turn or even misty explosion can serve about the same purpose as explosion, but if you want an offensive move like ice beam, earthquake, or psychic then you should go for it.

As for your , you should try focus sash for a safe setup over extra damage. Try not to switch this in on an attack given its frailty (and to preserve the sash), but when played right, should be able to set up on and get a good amount of kos.

For , I'd say that because of how few times you will even need to click shadow claw, rapid spin or even toxic are definitely better. However, since standard teams do not carry double of one hazard, I suggest you swap out a spot on for a coverage attack or stick rock slide and a focus sash on to deal with the pesky .

Finally, for weaknesses. Sticky webs should be fine as long as you spin with exca but honestly, I think your team needs a specially defensive . This can not only defog, but should roost off the specs shadow balls aimed for your 2 psychic types while also foul-playing ghosts and brave-birding . As for , should be your counter? If you want to break a sub but not take damage then stick volt switch over toxic and then come back in to thunderbolt. Also, is there a reason you need another fire-ground type counter? Like is banded surging strikes not working or are you looking for another mon?

Hope this helps and have a nice day :)

 

[sam1oq]

Hey there! I just tried updating my team accordingly and played a match to see how it went. At the very last moment my Excadrill was up against a Volcarona with three Quiver Dances (also opponent's last pokemon). He hangs onto Focus Sash and... Rock Slide misses. FML lol.

I would like a on my team but I'm not sure which pokemon to switch out for it. Thanks for the reply in any case!

 

[Twilight]

I'm locking your RMT for the time being as the forum rules require that you provide at least 3 lines of descriptions for each Pokemon to explain their roles. Please read the rules carefully and take a look at Team Showcase to see the level of detail we require. PM me with updated descriptions and I'll be happy to unlock this.