[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Taunt / U-turn / Explosion
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Deoxys-S existed in the OU metagame, it outclassed Azelf in nearly every aspect. After Deoxys-S's banishment to Ubers, Azelf can finally run a dual screens set without much competition. The crux of this set, Reflect and Light Screen are used to soften blows targeted at Azelf and the rest of your team. Stealth Rock is what sets Azelf apart from Espeon, who otherwise would outclass Azelf as a dual screens user. The fourth moveslot should be tailored to the needs of your team. Taunt prevents entry hazards from littering your side of the field, and also stops setup sweepers such as Dragonite from boosting up with Dragon Dance. U-turn is a useful move if you would rather maintain momentum than prevent foes from setting up. Finally, Explosion can be used to sacrifice Azelf after it fulfills its duties as a dual screens supporter, not only hugely denting the opposition, but also granting your sweeper of choice a free switch-in.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs maximize Azelf's HP and Speed. Maximum HP allows Azelf to take hits better, while Azelf's high base Speed is one of its best qualities as a dual screens user; thus, Speed needs to be maximized with both 252 EVs and a Jolly nature. Light Clay is the item of choice for longer-lasting team support.</p>
<p>Gorebyss and Huntail work well with this set. The screens that Azelf provides help to ensure that Gorebyss and Huntail are able to more consistently use Shell Smash and Baton Pass it to a teammate. Setup sweepers, such as Volcarona and Cloyster, are also excellent partners for Azelf, as the screens lengthen their sweep by making them harder to revenge kill. Additionally, if Azelf is running Taunt, Cloyster and Volcarona do not have to worry about Stealth Rock limiting their longevity.</p>
<p>Don't expect Azelf to be taking Draco Meteors from Latios or Choice Band U-turns from Scizor. Powerful attackers in general will take down Azelf, unless screens are up. Even with maximum HP investment, Azelf is still relatively frail. Choice Scarf Tyranitar serves as the best overall check to dual screens Azelf, as it can take down Azelf with Crunch before Azelf gets the chance to set up Reflect.</p>
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Stealth Rock
move 4: Taunt / U-turn / Explosion
item: Light Clay
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Deoxys-S existed in the OU metagame, it outclassed Azelf in nearly every aspect. After Deoxys-S's banishment to Ubers, Azelf can finally run a dual screens set without much competition. The crux of this set, Reflect and Light Screen are used to soften blows targeted at Azelf and the rest of your team. Stealth Rock is what sets Azelf apart from Espeon, who otherwise would outclass Azelf as a dual screens user. The fourth moveslot should be tailored to the needs of your team. Taunt prevents entry hazards from littering your side of the field, and also stops setup sweepers such as Dragonite from boosting up with Dragon Dance. U-turn is a useful move if you would rather maintain momentum than prevent foes from setting up. Finally, Explosion can be used to sacrifice Azelf after it fulfills its duties as a dual screens supporter, not only hugely denting the opposition, but also granting your sweeper of choice a free switch-in.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs maximize Azelf's HP and Speed. Maximum HP allows Azelf to take hits better, while Azelf's high base Speed is one of its best qualities as a dual screens user; thus, Speed needs to be maximized with both 252 EVs and a Jolly nature. Light Clay is the item of choice for longer-lasting team support.</p>
<p>Gorebyss and Huntail work well with this set. The screens that Azelf provides help to ensure that Gorebyss and Huntail are able to more consistently use Shell Smash and Baton Pass it to a teammate. Setup sweepers, such as Volcarona and Cloyster, are also excellent partners for Azelf, as the screens lengthen their sweep by making them harder to revenge kill. Additionally, if Azelf is running Taunt, Cloyster and Volcarona do not have to worry about Stealth Rock limiting their longevity.</p>
<p>Don't expect Azelf to be taking Draco Meteors from Latios or Choice Band U-turns from Scizor. Powerful attackers in general will take down Azelf, unless screens are up. Even with maximum HP investment, Azelf is still relatively frail. Choice Scarf Tyranitar serves as the best overall check to dual screens Azelf, as it can take down Azelf with Crunch before Azelf gets the chance to set up Reflect.</p>