Hello everyone! I made this team very recently after a long break from Pokemon. I used to be good at OU in Gen 4, as well as OU at the very beginning of Gen 5. Now I'm getting back into battling, improving quickly as I learn all the new sets and etc.
Normally, I like a balanced, bulky offense style of play. This team is no exception, but I find it's leaning toward being more of a stall team. It seems to work pretty well, but I'm sure there is significant room for improvement.
So, without further ado ...
THE TEAM:
TEAM BUILDING:
It is worthy to note that this was initially built as a mono-type steel team, that was supposed to be used in OU play (no Genesect or etc). It was meant to play against people that had normal teams though (not for monotype tourneys).
I wanted to start my team off with a little bit of bulk, in what is definitely one of my favourite new Pokemon in Gen 5. I chose a set that is slightly different than average, with no hazards, so that I could better stall opponents and still be able to cripple switch ins.
A necessity for any mono-steel team, as well as a good partner for Ferrothorn in general, I was going to need Heatran to take some fire attacks for me. I thought that I should also make this a bulky (rather than offensive) set b/c I would be relying on Heatran greatly for taking hits.
Of course, this doesn't exactly provide a whole lot of offensive potential yet. I believed that Lucario would make a great late game sweeper, or revenge killer, with a SD set that sets up easily while still having surprising potential for causing damage and netting KOs.
Ground and fighting types are problematic for steel Pokemon, and I very much dislike Air Balloon as an item. Skarmory was the next Pokemon that it seemed I was going to need on my team. Using a standard set, this was where I could spend time setting up hazards, and was also a good physically defensive hazing Pokemon to compliment Heatran's special bulk + roar.
Only two spots left, and again I'm in need of more offense. Being one of the most used Pokemon in both Gen 4 and 5 I decided to add CB Scizor as a Pokemon I could use to punch holes in the opponent's team. This also has the benefit of some bulk, which I like.
I needed one more Pokemon. Something bulky to set up stealth rock while still providing some useful coverage. I love using Metagross, so I picked a typical set with Pursuit, SR, and the works. However, this did not work very well and it seemed that it was not getting anything done. I changed it to an Agility set and it became much more threatening, especially if I could save it for when the opponent's team was already weakened near the end of the battle.
At this point I had a steel team that won more battles than it lost, and functioned well together. However, I decided that I wanted an actual team to use in OU play ... so it was time for some modifications.
Firstly, Lucario was proving to be far to frail + dependent on other pokemon removing checks. I decided that Tyranitar would make a good replacement, as this would also allow me to convert my team into a Sandstorm one. This would also help to counter sun/rain teams, that had been difficult in past, via eliminating their weather. I picked a weird set with an expert belt because it caught many people off-guard and was able to get a surprise KO or two when used well.
Now I was in a position where I needed a good fighting counter. Skarmory wasn't cutting it, and Pokemon like Infernape could run circles around my team. I decided to switch Skarmory for a Substitute Gliscor, something that complimented the rest of my team (where I have numerous Ice resists) that could also hit opponents back with some power.
At this point my team started to work a lot better. I went 23-6 that night, but have leveled off a bit since. I think that there are a few problems to hammer out, but that this has the potential to be great.
Normally, I like a balanced, bulky offense style of play. This team is no exception, but I find it's leaning toward being more of a stall team. It seems to work pretty well, but I'm sure there is significant room for improvement.
So, without further ado ...
THE TEAM:
TEAM BUILDING:
It is worthy to note that this was initially built as a mono-type steel team, that was supposed to be used in OU play (no Genesect or etc). It was meant to play against people that had normal teams though (not for monotype tourneys).
I wanted to start my team off with a little bit of bulk, in what is definitely one of my favourite new Pokemon in Gen 5. I chose a set that is slightly different than average, with no hazards, so that I could better stall opponents and still be able to cripple switch ins.
A necessity for any mono-steel team, as well as a good partner for Ferrothorn in general, I was going to need Heatran to take some fire attacks for me. I thought that I should also make this a bulky (rather than offensive) set b/c I would be relying on Heatran greatly for taking hits.
Of course, this doesn't exactly provide a whole lot of offensive potential yet. I believed that Lucario would make a great late game sweeper, or revenge killer, with a SD set that sets up easily while still having surprising potential for causing damage and netting KOs.
Ground and fighting types are problematic for steel Pokemon, and I very much dislike Air Balloon as an item. Skarmory was the next Pokemon that it seemed I was going to need on my team. Using a standard set, this was where I could spend time setting up hazards, and was also a good physically defensive hazing Pokemon to compliment Heatran's special bulk + roar.
Only two spots left, and again I'm in need of more offense. Being one of the most used Pokemon in both Gen 4 and 5 I decided to add CB Scizor as a Pokemon I could use to punch holes in the opponent's team. This also has the benefit of some bulk, which I like.
I needed one more Pokemon. Something bulky to set up stealth rock while still providing some useful coverage. I love using Metagross, so I picked a typical set with Pursuit, SR, and the works. However, this did not work very well and it seemed that it was not getting anything done. I changed it to an Agility set and it became much more threatening, especially if I could save it for when the opponent's team was already weakened near the end of the battle.
At this point I had a steel team that won more battles than it lost, and functioned well together. However, I decided that I wanted an actual team to use in OU play ... so it was time for some modifications.
Firstly, Lucario was proving to be far to frail + dependent on other pokemon removing checks. I decided that Tyranitar would make a good replacement, as this would also allow me to convert my team into a Sandstorm one. This would also help to counter sun/rain teams, that had been difficult in past, via eliminating their weather. I picked a weird set with an expert belt because it caught many people off-guard and was able to get a surprise KO or two when used well.
Now I was in a position where I needed a good fighting counter. Skarmory wasn't cutting it, and Pokemon like Infernape could run circles around my team. I decided to switch Skarmory for a Substitute Gliscor, something that complimented the rest of my team (where I have numerous Ice resists) that could also hit opponents back with some power.
At this point my team started to work a lot better. I went 23-6 that night, but have leveled off a bit since. I think that there are a few problems to hammer out, but that this has the potential to be great.
IN MORE DEPTH:
Overall type resistance can be seen here: http://www.marriland.com/tools/team-builder#1124|1137|1028|1250|900|864|
I have problems with ground, fire, water, and fight based on this, which reflects my actual experience as well.
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 184 Def / 252 HP / 72 Spd
Bold Nature
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Protect
- Ice Fang
Gliscor is a great defensive pokemon, but it can pack a punch with it's attacking moves as well. Using protect and substitute I can easily stall out the PP on moves like Hydro Pump (provided I am faster) as well as give myself more opportunities to hit switch in's/heal in peace. If Gliscor goes down early, my team is in trouble. However, this set messes up tons of people and I'm glad to have it. I need Gliscor to take on most fighting types, as well as a plethora of other general Pokemon that end up frustrated by the difficulty of getting the KO on me.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SDef / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Protect
- Roar
- Toxic
Heatran is pretty much necessary for taking fire attacks directed at my other steel Pokemon, as well as for dealing with Sun teams in general. I often get people switching their special walls in on me, which allows for toxic stall to be initiated. Between protect on Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor, as well as sandstorm damage, this wears down my opponents very quickly. Roar is great for Pokemon that come in thinking that they will get a free set up, but since I no longer have any hazards I don't end up using it very much. Heatran is also one of my best ways to counter opposing Ferrothorn and Foretress.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
Scizor does fantastic work, revenge killing, pounding through frail Pokemon, and generally causing chaos. I often get Scizor into the battle as soon as possible, and he almost always dishes out tons of damage. I often end up relying on Scizor to net KOs against fast pokemon that would otherwise outspeed and destroy my team. I also end up using Scizor a lot near the ends of battles as I get to the home stretch and need to finish things off. There isn't much to say about this set, but I usually need it in order to beat dragons (after they are weakened).
Metagross @ Leftovers
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 248 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
- Agility
Metagross is usually saved until late game if I can help it. All it takes is one turn of set up and then this set can screw over entire teams. I just need to get rid of a check or two. MM has the nice bonus of attack boosts some of the time, which can make Metagross extremely difficult to withstand. I also usually use Metagross to switch in on Breloom. If they spore, I can switch to Gliscor to take care of comefortably. If they try to set up then I can often catch them off guard with a STAB Zen-Headbutt. Overall this set works well, but it no longer fits SR anymore and it is usually more of a 'general bulk' kind of Pokemon.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Trait: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SDef
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed
- Thunder Wave
Ferrothorn is my defense against rain teams. Leech Seed pairs well with Protect and makes Ferrothorn a generally strong choice against defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall most of my team. Thunderwave is used because in general the members of my team lack speed to threaten opponents. Not many Pokemon that try to switch in on Ferrothorn enjoy the speed drop + random loss of a turn. Power Whip is a surprisingly strong attacking option for when I need it (or for in between protects if I'm in the middle of stalling something out), and can deal some needed damage to a number of bulky waters.
Tyranitar @ Expert Belt
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch
Tyranitar came in order to initiate weather, but has become good for catching opponents off-guard. Lots of people seem to expect me to be running a set with SR and/or Pursuit, so I get taunted or have Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Scizor switched in on me. Fire Punch is enough to OHKO both of those, and Ice Punch does the same to any Gliscor that tries to set up. Crunch provides my best option for ghosts or Latios/Latias. Stone Edge is for pure damage. I use an Expert belt because of the good coverage that this set has, as well as because CB is too limiting, and LO reduces longevity too much. People often predict a CB and send in something that I can easily KO with a different attack. I'm not sure if Fire Punch and Ice Punch are the best options, but I don't want to have to invest in SpA to use Fire Blast or Ice Beam effectively.
So what do you think? How can I improve this team? I think the most likely places where change can occur are TTar, Metagross, and Scizor; also maybe the set for Heatran?
Thanks for any help and advice I can get.
Overall type resistance can be seen here: http://www.marriland.com/tools/team-builder#1124|1137|1028|1250|900|864|
I have problems with ground, fire, water, and fight based on this, which reflects my actual experience as well.
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Poison Heal
EVs: 184 Def / 252 HP / 72 Spd
Bold Nature
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Protect
- Ice Fang
Gliscor is a great defensive pokemon, but it can pack a punch with it's attacking moves as well. Using protect and substitute I can easily stall out the PP on moves like Hydro Pump (provided I am faster) as well as give myself more opportunities to hit switch in's/heal in peace. If Gliscor goes down early, my team is in trouble. However, this set messes up tons of people and I'm glad to have it. I need Gliscor to take on most fighting types, as well as a plethora of other general Pokemon that end up frustrated by the difficulty of getting the KO on me.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SDef / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Protect
- Roar
- Toxic
Heatran is pretty much necessary for taking fire attacks directed at my other steel Pokemon, as well as for dealing with Sun teams in general. I often get people switching their special walls in on me, which allows for toxic stall to be initiated. Between protect on Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor, as well as sandstorm damage, this wears down my opponents very quickly. Roar is great for Pokemon that come in thinking that they will get a free set up, but since I no longer have any hazards I don't end up using it very much. Heatran is also one of my best ways to counter opposing Ferrothorn and Foretress.
Scizor @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
Scizor does fantastic work, revenge killing, pounding through frail Pokemon, and generally causing chaos. I often get Scizor into the battle as soon as possible, and he almost always dishes out tons of damage. I often end up relying on Scizor to net KOs against fast pokemon that would otherwise outspeed and destroy my team. I also end up using Scizor a lot near the ends of battles as I get to the home stretch and need to finish things off. There isn't much to say about this set, but I usually need it in order to beat dragons (after they are weakened).
Metagross @ Leftovers
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 248 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
- Agility
Metagross is usually saved until late game if I can help it. All it takes is one turn of set up and then this set can screw over entire teams. I just need to get rid of a check or two. MM has the nice bonus of attack boosts some of the time, which can make Metagross extremely difficult to withstand. I also usually use Metagross to switch in on Breloom. If they spore, I can switch to Gliscor to take care of comefortably. If they try to set up then I can often catch them off guard with a STAB Zen-Headbutt. Overall this set works well, but it no longer fits SR anymore and it is usually more of a 'general bulk' kind of Pokemon.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Trait: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SDef
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Power Whip
- Leech Seed
- Thunder Wave
Ferrothorn is my defense against rain teams. Leech Seed pairs well with Protect and makes Ferrothorn a generally strong choice against defensive Pokemon that otherwise wall most of my team. Thunderwave is used because in general the members of my team lack speed to threaten opponents. Not many Pokemon that try to switch in on Ferrothorn enjoy the speed drop + random loss of a turn. Power Whip is a surprisingly strong attacking option for when I need it (or for in between protects if I'm in the middle of stalling something out), and can deal some needed damage to a number of bulky waters.
Tyranitar @ Expert Belt
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch
Tyranitar came in order to initiate weather, but has become good for catching opponents off-guard. Lots of people seem to expect me to be running a set with SR and/or Pursuit, so I get taunted or have Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Scizor switched in on me. Fire Punch is enough to OHKO both of those, and Ice Punch does the same to any Gliscor that tries to set up. Crunch provides my best option for ghosts or Latios/Latias. Stone Edge is for pure damage. I use an Expert belt because of the good coverage that this set has, as well as because CB is too limiting, and LO reduces longevity too much. People often predict a CB and send in something that I can easily KO with a different attack. I'm not sure if Fire Punch and Ice Punch are the best options, but I don't want to have to invest in SpA to use Fire Blast or Ice Beam effectively.
So what do you think? How can I improve this team? I think the most likely places where change can occur are TTar, Metagross, and Scizor; also maybe the set for Heatran?
Thanks for any help and advice I can get.
