http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/461.shtml
skeleton by smashlloyd
http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3449634
GP: #1 RayJay #2, Fizz
[Overview]
<p>Weavile returns to the competitive scene this generation as a potent attacker in UU. It is both strong and fast, boasting base 120 Attack and base 125 Speed. Its dual STABs are fabulous in the tier; Pursuit destroys common Ghost-types like Mismagius, while priority Ice Shard hits things such as Flygon. Unfortunately, Weavile suffers from low defenses, a weakness to Mach Punch, and a weakness to Stealth Rock. Furthermore, most of its moves have low Base Power, limiting its damage output. Despite these setbacks, Weavile can still pose a huge threat to opposing teams with proper support and strategy.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Low Kick
move 4: Night Slash / Ice Punch / Punishment
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set utilizes Weavile's strongest stats, Speed and strength, through its ability to effectively trap and eliminate a variety of Pokemon. Pursuit allows Weavile to come in on common UU spinblockers such as Mismagius and KO them no matter what they do, as well as eliminate many powerful offensive Psychic-types that attempt to flee such as Alakazam and Azelf. Ice Shard is a useful priority move, but Ice Punch is drastically more powerful, as evidenced by the calculations below, and Weavile fast enough that priority is often unnecessary.</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>Ice Shard vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 48 ~ 56.8%</li>
<li> Ice Punch vs Celebi/Shaymin (0/0 EVs): 88.5 ~ 104.3%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 66 ~ 77.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoking (0/0 EVs): 123.4 ~ 146.5%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 50.4 ~ 59.8%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Nidoqueen (160/0 EVs): 93.6 ~ 110.2%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 46.7 ~ 55%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Gligar@Eviolite (252/252+ EVs): 86.2 ~ 101.7%</li>
<li>Ice Shard vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 35.1 ~ 41.3%</li>
<li>Ice Punch vs Claydol (252/252+ EVs): 65.4 ~ 77.7%</li>
</ul>
<p>The above calculations assume Weavile is holding a Life Orb. As one can see, Ice Punch is required to take on some of the above Pokemon such as Shaymin and Nidoking, who can potentially KO Weavile after surviving an Ice Shard. It also prevents defensive Pokemon from setting up in Weavile's face. Low Kick provides optimal coverage with the first two moves, dealing heavy damage to walls such as Registeel. Night Slash gives Weavile better coverage on common defensive Pokemon such as Deoxys-D, who does not take much damage from Pursuit, but Ice Punch can be used for its slightly higher Base Power, and its usefulness is shown above. Lastly, Punishment will destroy the common boosters such as Suicune, as well as Baton Pass chains.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Max Speed and Attack allow Weavile to hit as hard as possible and Speed tie other Weavile. The extra point is allotted to Weavile's decent Special Defense, as it would otherwise give Weavile an even HP stat. An alternate spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe with a Jolly nature is certainly viable, as it still outruns base 120s and the extra HP EVs allow Weavile to take weak special attacks slightly better. However, the extra EVs ultimately do not significantly increase its longevity since strong moves will still KO. In addition, the speed drop means Weavile can no longer speed tie opposing Weavile, a disadvantage in a tier in which it is common.</p>
<p>The item depends on what role one wishes Weavile to play. Choice Band will give it the most overall power and doesn't wear it down with recoil, but the inability to switch moves can be a hindrance to Weavile's success. For example, a Choice Band locked Ice Shard means Pokemon such as Suicune and Feraligatr can come in and set up for free. Life Orb allows Weavile to hit hard while retaining the ability to switch moves. With or without recoil, Weavile won't enjoy losing 25% of its health upon switching into the ubiquitous Stealth Rock, so a Rapid Spinner is recommended. Donphan and Hitmontop both work well in this department. Opposing Hitmontop trouble Weavile with Fake Out and Mach Punch, so Wynaut is a great partner for eliminating it. Tickle Wynaut will also enjoy Weavile's Pursuit support, and they can be used together to eliminate tough walls.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Ice Shard / Ice Punch
move 3: Night Slash
move 4: Low Kick
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to abuse Weavile's great speed and attack with Swords Dance. Because it can force out Pokemon such as Flygon, setup opportunities are abundant. After one boost, Weavile's attack reaches astronomical levels, and it can plow through opposing teams. Ice Shard is useful for hitting Choice Scarf users such as Flygon and Krookodile, but Ice Punch is a stronger alternative, as shown above. This difference is not as important due to Swords Dance; Weavile will be able to hit hard with Ice Shard after a boost. Night Slash is a powerful STAB move that destroys defensive Psychic-types such as Mew and Deoxys-D. Low Kick rounds off the coverage, hitting Steel-types that resist the other two moves, such as Registeel, for super-effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are identical to those of the set above; they aim to maximize damage output and Speed tie with opposing Weavile. With the given HP IVs, Life Orb recoil is reduced by one point, which is potentially more useful if Weavile attempts a late-game sweep, and the drop in HP is hardly noticeable because of its low defenses anyway. Life Orb is the preferred item for consistent damage, the recoil often being insignificant due to Weavile's frailty. However, Expert Belt is a viable alternative to hit certain walls such as Registeel and Deoxys-D harder than without the item. Again, partners include Rapid Spinners such as Donphan and Hitmontop, and Pokemon that can eliminate opposing Hitmontop.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Weavile has a few other options to consider. Punishment can be used to kill off boosters, but Night Slash provides more consistent damage. Taunt allows you to stop Chansey. Fake Out is effective in breaking Focus Sashes, but using it means Weavile will lose much needed coverage. A gimmicky set with Focus Sash and Counter, in combination with a Rapid Spinner, can eliminate things that normally OHKO Weavile, but this is rather situational. Substitute and Focus Punch give Weavile an option for a stronger Fighting attack, but the loss of HP from Substitute is problematic. Brick Break is useful in breaking screens and is more consistent than Low Kick, but Low Kick is usually more powerful and screens are relatively uncommon.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Hitmontop can deal significant damage to Weavile with Fake Out, and will KO with a Mach Punch follow up. It can also Intimidate Weavile, leaving the weasel too weak to deal further damage. Escavalier can take any attack bar a heavily boosted Low Kick and KO Weavile. Unaware Quagsire also walls Weavile handily, either setting up Curse in the meantime or simply attacking with Waterfall. Things that outspeed Weavile will deal tons of damage in general, but certain Choice Scarf users like Flygon must watch out for Ice Shard. Entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, are detrimental to Weavile's health, especially if it holds Choice Band and is forced out.</p>
<p>Despite their weakness to Ice, many Flying-, Ground-, and Grass-types such as Celebi, Shaymin, Sigilyph, Gligar, Nidoking, Hippopotas, Zapdos, Donphan, and Claydol take little damage from Ice Shard and can either set up or eliminate Weavile on the spot. Those mentioned that have a secondary Psychic typing must watch out for Night Slash, however. Other strong Ice-types such as Mamoswine can take these out, or Weavile can utilize Ice Punch to make them less of a threat. Bulky Water-types such as Milotic also wall Weavile without many Sword Dance boosts, taking minimal damage from Night Slash, and can force it out or status it. Bulky Grass-types are not threatened by Milotic and can take it out, as can offensive Electric-types.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Weavile recieves Pickpocket through the Dream World, an ability that steals the opponent's item if the opponent contacts Weavile. This is inferior to Pressure for a few reasons. First, Weavile should generally be avoiding contact with opponents because of its low defense. Second, the item stolen may or may not be useful for Weavile; it could steal Life Orb or a Choice Scarf. This also means Weavile cannot be holding an item, which is a waste in most situations. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Low Kick is illegal with Pickpocket. This means the weasel will miss out on one of its most important coverage moves, and while Brick Break still works as an alternative, it is relatively weak.</p>
