Skarmory Team Help VGC Doubles Advice
Summary
In Pokémon Champions | VGC Battles & Tournaments this announcement requests help with two Skarmory-centered doubles teams posted via Pokepaste. The poster seeks advice on EVs, item investment, redirection support versus rain comps, and alternative picks. Key teammates discussed include Sinistcha for Rage Powder, Sneasler for Fake Out and Coaching, Talonflame for Tailwind, and Rotom-Wash for utility.
Want to start getting into double battles and I want to conserve some BP. I have a couple ideas for how I can use skarm but im not 100% sure if i should commit the point investment into these just yet. I have 2 pokepaste links that i have had put my 2 options for teams in but you can treat them like a combined list of pokemon if that helps.
I have more confidence in the second "team", but the main issue i have is that it doesnt have redirection support like sinistcha which might be fine but im unsure what to do against rain comps.
https://pokepast.es/25a8f3cfe16bbc16
https://pokepast.es/dad650f2763a235d
im also open to other picks that i dont have shown
Skarmory @ Skarmorite
Ability: Weak Armor
Level: 50
EVs: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Brave Bird
- Drill Run
- Protect
Sneasler @ Focus Sash
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Coaching
- Dire Claw
- Close Combat
Sinistcha @ Kasib Berry
Ability: Hospitality
Level: 50
EVs: 32 HP / 14 Def / 20 SpD
Bold Nature
- Matcha Gotcha
- Rage Powder
- Strength Sap
- Protect
Rotom-Wash @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 32 HP / 16 Def / 18 SpD
Bold Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Protect
Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
Level: 50
EVs: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Stomping Tantrum
- Rock Slide
- Protect
Talonflame
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 2 HP / 32 Atk / 32 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Acrobatics
- Tailwind
- Protect
I think this version works better because it gives Skarmory the support it actually wants.
Sneasler helps it get going with Fake Out and Coaching, while Sinistcha can redirect attacks with Rage Powder so Skarmory has more room to attack or stay safe. Talonflame also gives Tailwind, which makes the whole team easier to play instead of relying on Skarmory to do everything by itself.
Rotom-Wash is a big part of the team too because it helps a lot into rain and physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.
I’d definitely keep Protect on Skarmory. Once Skarmory becomes a threat, people are going to target it hard, and Protect is what lets you punish those turns. Since Sneasler already gives Coaching support, Swords Dance feels less necessary.
