QC Checks: Oglemi, Honko, zdrup15
GP Checks: Shame That, Jellicent (with credit to Engineer Pikachu)
[pimg]291[/pimg]
[Overview]
<p>Ninjask has been one of the best Baton Passers since its introduction in Ruby and Sapphire; this is largely because of its ability, which boosts its Speed for free every turn. Combined with access to Swords Dance, a base Speed that beats everything short of Deoxys-S, and an Attack stat quite usable by RU standards, it's clear why Ninjask is one of the most feared Pokemon at its role. Unfortunately, this very fact turns out to be one of its biggest weaknesses; when an opponent sees the ninja cicada in Team Preview, they know exactly what it will be doing and will almost certainly send out something that can hinder it. Ninjask's awful defenses alongside its 4X Stealth Rock weakness only exacerbate this problem, as it compels Ninjask to favor the lead position in most matches. Still, Ninjask can make or break games entirely through its passing ability.</p>
[SET]
name: Pure Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers/Focus Sash/Mental Herb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 20 Def / 24 SpD / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is Ninjask's bread and butter: a basic passing set with the purpose of making a physical sweeper too strong for your opponent's team to handle. The combination of Substitute and Protect allows Ninjask to stall and let its ability do the work for it, buying turns to hopefully get a Swords Dance in as well. If Ninjask manages to pass both a Swords Dance and a Substitute, the game might as well be over. However, a Sub + 3 attacks set is recommended for most receivers, as it is unlikely that Ninjask will be able to pass a Substitute intact, and the last thing any receiver wants is to be bogged down with status.</p>
<p>It is crucial to carefully decide which item to use to fit your team's needs. Leftovers is standard to allow for more Substitutes and generally extend Ninjask's longevity, but Focus Sash allows for the possibility of safely passing Swords Dance against something that could otherwise OHKO it. Mental Herb works as well, giving Ninjask freedom against an opponent's Taunt or Encore. Lum Berry is also an option, though Substitute will generally suffice for blocking status. X-Scissor is an option should Ninjask desperately need an attacking move, but this will greatly reduce Ninjask's defensive ability; use it at your own risk.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The HP EVs on this set allow for switching into Stealth Rock twice or letting Ninjask make 4 Substitutes, which then have more HP and can remain intact if the receiver takes a resisted or weak hit. Max Speed isn't required because Ninjask outspeeds almost everything anyway and beats the few exceptions after one Protect. The listed spread outspeeds max Speed Jolly Scarf Hitmonlee and everything below, most notably including Timid Scarf Rotom-C and Modest Scarf Typhlosion. 20 Defense EVs prevent Ninjask's Substitute from being broken by a neutral 4 Attack Steelix Dragon Tail. The remainder of the EVs are placed in Special Defense for lack of other options; they can be placed in Attack if using X-Scissor, but placing them in Defense is not recommended, as it will give Download Porygon-Z a Special Attack boost.</p>
<p>Due to Ninjask's severe Stealth Rock weakness and its often crucial role on teams that use it, it is recommended to provide Ninjask with Rapid Spin support. Hitmonlee is recommended for its ability to Foresight spin, while scaring away common phazers such as Munchlax at the same time. Another option to keep Ninjask alive is to provide Wish support. Clefable is an excellent choice for this, due to its unpredictability, ability to troll Cofagrigus, and tendency to lure in Fighting-types which Ninjask can then laugh at. Alternatively, Alomomola also works very well if Entei is giving your team trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Baton Pass
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Focus Sash/Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Ninjask is frequently seen as a Pokemon that does nothing but stall the opponent and has barely any firepower, which is precisely what makes this set so effective. Bug/Flying is a surprisingly effective type combination, resisted only by Aggron, Durant, Steelix, and Rotom among RU Pokemon, and the fact that Ninjask 4X resists two types and is immune to a third gives it plenty of opportunities to set up. As if this wasn't enough of a niche, Ninjask sets up while sweeping, allowing it to Baton Pass out to let an ally finish what it started, which is something most other sweepers would kill for.</p>
<p>The item choice is a very difficult one. Life Orb gives Ninjask several key KOs, but Focus Sash makes setting up much easier; if Ninjask hits +4, essentially only possible via Focus Sash, it might as well be GG. Other move options include Night Slash to hit Ghost-types or Substitute to scout and block status, but finding a spot for these moves is a difficult prospect.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The HP EVs allow Ninjask to switch into Stealth Rock twice or barely survive a 252 Attack Choice Band Entei Extremespeed, allowing for a Baton Pass even in that scenario, though this will not work if Ninjask has taken any prior damage. The Speed EVs allow Ninjask to outspeed neutral-natured base 80s with a Choice Scarf at +0, as well as Modest Accelgor.</p>
<p>This set is best paired with a non-Choiced bulky physical attacker that can come in and sweep up the dust Ninjask leaves behind; Entei, Rhydon, and Aggron deserve special mention for immunity to burn, paralysis, and poison, respectively. Entry hazards are an absolute must for this set as they net Ninjask many more OHKOs; using Focus Sash as the item magnifies the need for them even more. As such, it is unlikely that this Ninjask will be used in the lead position, which in turn makes Rapid Spin support also a necessity. Dugtrio and Magneton are extremely viable partners, since they can trap the Steel-types that cause Ninjask headaches. Finally, while it is not vital, cleric support is appreciated; a paralyzed or burned attacking Ninjask can't really do much besides pass.
[Other Options]
<p>While Ninjask has a good number of other options, few of them are viable, especially given how much Ninjask needs its four moveslots. One notable option is Roost. On paper, the move extends Ninjask's longevity, but in practice Ninjask needs every spare turn it can get to set up Swords Dance, and Ninjask is rarely able to pull off a Roost when it is not behind a Substitute. Toxic is another choice to surprise bulkier opponents attempting to haze or phaze Ninjask, but it does nothing to Steelix or Drapion and is seldom worth a precious moveslot. Hone Claws is an option over Swords Dance, but is only recommended if you intend to pass to Hustle Durant or Zweilous; Swords Dance is better in almost every other case. Dig can be used on the attacking set if you're terrified of Aggron, but this tends to lure in Flying-types, most of which resist X-Scissor. Lastly, Ninjask has access to Final Gambit, but it is completely outclassed at this role by Accelgor.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>In general, when facing a Ninjask, it is extremely important to not give it time to set up—given free turns, Ninjask is all too happy to set up and pass to something that will sweep your entire team. Of course, it's not particularly fun to see a formerly slow sweeper suddenly become lightning fast just because Ninjask stalled you, even without the +2 Attack. If you want to prevent Ninjask from passing entirely, there are quite a few ways of going about this.</p>
<p>Ninjask despises facing priority attacks not named Mach Punch. Entei's ExtremeSpeed is extremely likely to ruin its day; even on the pure passer set with Protect, Ninjask is held to a simple +1 Speed pass. Likewise, Ninjask does not enjoy facing Prankster, as it is likely to be hit by a Thunder Wave before it can set up a Substitute. Another viable answer to Ninjask is Cofagrigus. It can really mess up Ninjask's strategy with a simple Haze, burn the attacking set, and is not even OHKOed by a +2 Night Slash unless Ninjask has Spikes support. Similarly, anything with access to Roar or Whirlwind can bypass Ninjask's game. Munchlax is the most notable, as it avoids an OHKO from the attacking set, though it does take significant damage. While Ninjask hates Rock moves in general, Rock Blast and Stealth Rock really stand out. The former can OHKO even through Focus Sash or Substitute, while the latter makes it very difficult for Ninjask to come back in. Finally, Taunt and Encore can bypass Ninjask's substitutes to make its job very difficult, especially on the pure passer set, but this is a lesser option due to the possibility of Ninjask carrying a Mental Herb.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Ninjask's Dream World ability is Infiltrator. Apart from the ability itself being situational at best, Speed Boost is one of the biggest things making Ninjask stand out. Always use Speed Boost.</p>
GP Checks: Shame That, Jellicent (with credit to Engineer Pikachu)
[pimg]291[/pimg]
[Overview]
<p>Ninjask has been one of the best Baton Passers since its introduction in Ruby and Sapphire; this is largely because of its ability, which boosts its Speed for free every turn. Combined with access to Swords Dance, a base Speed that beats everything short of Deoxys-S, and an Attack stat quite usable by RU standards, it's clear why Ninjask is one of the most feared Pokemon at its role. Unfortunately, this very fact turns out to be one of its biggest weaknesses; when an opponent sees the ninja cicada in Team Preview, they know exactly what it will be doing and will almost certainly send out something that can hinder it. Ninjask's awful defenses alongside its 4X Stealth Rock weakness only exacerbate this problem, as it compels Ninjask to favor the lead position in most matches. Still, Ninjask can make or break games entirely through its passing ability.</p>
[SET]
name: Pure Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers/Focus Sash/Mental Herb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 20 Def / 24 SpD / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is Ninjask's bread and butter: a basic passing set with the purpose of making a physical sweeper too strong for your opponent's team to handle. The combination of Substitute and Protect allows Ninjask to stall and let its ability do the work for it, buying turns to hopefully get a Swords Dance in as well. If Ninjask manages to pass both a Swords Dance and a Substitute, the game might as well be over. However, a Sub + 3 attacks set is recommended for most receivers, as it is unlikely that Ninjask will be able to pass a Substitute intact, and the last thing any receiver wants is to be bogged down with status.</p>
<p>It is crucial to carefully decide which item to use to fit your team's needs. Leftovers is standard to allow for more Substitutes and generally extend Ninjask's longevity, but Focus Sash allows for the possibility of safely passing Swords Dance against something that could otherwise OHKO it. Mental Herb works as well, giving Ninjask freedom against an opponent's Taunt or Encore. Lum Berry is also an option, though Substitute will generally suffice for blocking status. X-Scissor is an option should Ninjask desperately need an attacking move, but this will greatly reduce Ninjask's defensive ability; use it at your own risk.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The HP EVs on this set allow for switching into Stealth Rock twice or letting Ninjask make 4 Substitutes, which then have more HP and can remain intact if the receiver takes a resisted or weak hit. Max Speed isn't required because Ninjask outspeeds almost everything anyway and beats the few exceptions after one Protect. The listed spread outspeeds max Speed Jolly Scarf Hitmonlee and everything below, most notably including Timid Scarf Rotom-C and Modest Scarf Typhlosion. 20 Defense EVs prevent Ninjask's Substitute from being broken by a neutral 4 Attack Steelix Dragon Tail. The remainder of the EVs are placed in Special Defense for lack of other options; they can be placed in Attack if using X-Scissor, but placing them in Defense is not recommended, as it will give Download Porygon-Z a Special Attack boost.</p>
<p>Due to Ninjask's severe Stealth Rock weakness and its often crucial role on teams that use it, it is recommended to provide Ninjask with Rapid Spin support. Hitmonlee is recommended for its ability to Foresight spin, while scaring away common phazers such as Munchlax at the same time. Another option to keep Ninjask alive is to provide Wish support. Clefable is an excellent choice for this, due to its unpredictability, ability to troll Cofagrigus, and tendency to lure in Fighting-types which Ninjask can then laugh at. Alternatively, Alomomola also works very well if Entei is giving your team trouble.</p>
[SET]
name: Offensive Baton Pass
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: X-Scissor
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Focus Sash/Life Orb
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Ninjask is frequently seen as a Pokemon that does nothing but stall the opponent and has barely any firepower, which is precisely what makes this set so effective. Bug/Flying is a surprisingly effective type combination, resisted only by Aggron, Durant, Steelix, and Rotom among RU Pokemon, and the fact that Ninjask 4X resists two types and is immune to a third gives it plenty of opportunities to set up. As if this wasn't enough of a niche, Ninjask sets up while sweeping, allowing it to Baton Pass out to let an ally finish what it started, which is something most other sweepers would kill for.</p>
<p>The item choice is a very difficult one. Life Orb gives Ninjask several key KOs, but Focus Sash makes setting up much easier; if Ninjask hits +4, essentially only possible via Focus Sash, it might as well be GG. Other move options include Night Slash to hit Ghost-types or Substitute to scout and block status, but finding a spot for these moves is a difficult prospect.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The HP EVs allow Ninjask to switch into Stealth Rock twice or barely survive a 252 Attack Choice Band Entei Extremespeed, allowing for a Baton Pass even in that scenario, though this will not work if Ninjask has taken any prior damage. The Speed EVs allow Ninjask to outspeed neutral-natured base 80s with a Choice Scarf at +0, as well as Modest Accelgor.</p>
<p>This set is best paired with a non-Choiced bulky physical attacker that can come in and sweep up the dust Ninjask leaves behind; Entei, Rhydon, and Aggron deserve special mention for immunity to burn, paralysis, and poison, respectively. Entry hazards are an absolute must for this set as they net Ninjask many more OHKOs; using Focus Sash as the item magnifies the need for them even more. As such, it is unlikely that this Ninjask will be used in the lead position, which in turn makes Rapid Spin support also a necessity. Dugtrio and Magneton are extremely viable partners, since they can trap the Steel-types that cause Ninjask headaches. Finally, while it is not vital, cleric support is appreciated; a paralyzed or burned attacking Ninjask can't really do much besides pass.
[Other Options]
<p>While Ninjask has a good number of other options, few of them are viable, especially given how much Ninjask needs its four moveslots. One notable option is Roost. On paper, the move extends Ninjask's longevity, but in practice Ninjask needs every spare turn it can get to set up Swords Dance, and Ninjask is rarely able to pull off a Roost when it is not behind a Substitute. Toxic is another choice to surprise bulkier opponents attempting to haze or phaze Ninjask, but it does nothing to Steelix or Drapion and is seldom worth a precious moveslot. Hone Claws is an option over Swords Dance, but is only recommended if you intend to pass to Hustle Durant or Zweilous; Swords Dance is better in almost every other case. Dig can be used on the attacking set if you're terrified of Aggron, but this tends to lure in Flying-types, most of which resist X-Scissor. Lastly, Ninjask has access to Final Gambit, but it is completely outclassed at this role by Accelgor.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>In general, when facing a Ninjask, it is extremely important to not give it time to set up—given free turns, Ninjask is all too happy to set up and pass to something that will sweep your entire team. Of course, it's not particularly fun to see a formerly slow sweeper suddenly become lightning fast just because Ninjask stalled you, even without the +2 Attack. If you want to prevent Ninjask from passing entirely, there are quite a few ways of going about this.</p>
<p>Ninjask despises facing priority attacks not named Mach Punch. Entei's ExtremeSpeed is extremely likely to ruin its day; even on the pure passer set with Protect, Ninjask is held to a simple +1 Speed pass. Likewise, Ninjask does not enjoy facing Prankster, as it is likely to be hit by a Thunder Wave before it can set up a Substitute. Another viable answer to Ninjask is Cofagrigus. It can really mess up Ninjask's strategy with a simple Haze, burn the attacking set, and is not even OHKOed by a +2 Night Slash unless Ninjask has Spikes support. Similarly, anything with access to Roar or Whirlwind can bypass Ninjask's game. Munchlax is the most notable, as it avoids an OHKO from the attacking set, though it does take significant damage. While Ninjask hates Rock moves in general, Rock Blast and Stealth Rock really stand out. The former can OHKO even through Focus Sash or Substitute, while the latter makes it very difficult for Ninjask to come back in. Finally, Taunt and Encore can bypass Ninjask's substitutes to make its job very difficult, especially on the pure passer set, but this is a lesser option due to the possibility of Ninjask carrying a Mental Herb.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Ninjask's Dream World ability is Infiltrator. Apart from the ability itself being situational at best, Speed Boost is one of the biggest things making Ninjask stand out. Always use Speed Boost.</p>
