How To Effectively Use U Turn.

[i am cool]

Of the tons of moves introduced in the latest generation of Pokemon, Diamond, Pearl and Platinium, U-Turn stands out from the rest because of its unique effect. U-Turn is a 70 Base Power Bug type attack which will allow the trainer to switch out the active Pokemon after it is used at any point during a turn, as long as it hits. The free mid-turn switch can be utilized in a number of ways, outlined as follows.

TYPES OF U-TURNERS

U-Turners can be broken up into two basic types: Fast U-Turners, and Bulky U-Turners.

a)Fast U-Turners

Fast U-Turners include Pokemon such as Azelf and Crobat. U-Turn strategies that can be employed by fast U-Turn users are outlined below.

1.Sleep

This is a strategy that is best used by Persian, Purugly Jumpluff and Crobat as they are the fastest Pokemon to which the combination of a sleep inducing move and U-turn is available. The objective is to put an opponent's Pokemon to sleep and then U-Turn out to obtain a free switch. The advantage given by U-Turn here is that you know whether your opponent will stay in to knock a turn off the sleep count or if they will switch to a counter to the active Pokemon. In the latter case you can switch to a counter. Alternatively, if you believe your opponent will switch to a sleep absorber, you can U-Turn out instead of using your sleep inducing move, and bring out a counter to their Sleep absorber. If the opponent keeps his active Pokemon in, you can just bring out a counter to it.

An example of a Sleep Turn user:

Crobat @ Leftovers
Ability: Inner Focus
Evs:160 HP / 132 SAtk / 216 Spe
Nature: Hasty
-Hypnosis
-Taunt
-U-Turn
-Air Slash

2.Scouting for counters

Fast sweepers such as Infernape and Azelf can U-Turn straight up to find out what Pokemon the opponent is using to counter them, and switch to an appropriate Pokemon to deal with it. This clears the way for a sweep by the U-Turner or a Pokemon which shares a counter with the U-Turner.

An example of a Counter Scouting U-Turner:

Yanmega @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
Evs: 4 HP/252 Spe/252 SAtk
Nature: Modest
-Air Slash
-Bug Buzz
-Protect/Hypnosis
-U-Turn


b)Bulky U-Turners

Slow U-turners include Pokemon such as Uxie and Mesprit. They are generally bulky. Some U-Turn strategies utilized by them are outlined below.

1.Weakening Pursuit

Pursuit is a 40 BP Dark type attack that doubles in BP when the opponent switches out, also hitting the fleeing Pokemon. Choice Banders such as Tyranitar and Weavile are capable of doing a great deal of damage to a lot of Pokemon with this move. However, if a Pokemon uses U-Turn on the same turn as the foe uses Pursuit, one of two things can happen. If the user is faster than the foe, he will hit him with U-Turn and be caught by an 80 BP Pursuit as you are switching out. However, if you happen to be slower than the foe, Pursuit will act as a 40 BP attack, allowing you to take half the damage, as well as switch out. Pokemon such as Celebi and Uxie greatly appreciate this halving of damage, and it enables them to battle without a fear of being Pursued. In Celebi's case, Tyranitar is still slower unless Celebi has a maximum Speed IV of 15, so set your Celebi’s speed accordingly. Uxie too happens to outspeed Adamant max speed Tyranitar and should lower his speed IVs to 25 to hit 220 Speed. While you COULD go the whole hog and lower Speed IVs to 0, these two can outspeed most other common walls, which can come in very handy, and is preferred.

2.Softening Entries

There are many devastating sweepers in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl that are capable of sweeping teams in a flash given the chance. However, a lot of these are quite frail, and lose to Life Orb recoil, Sandstorm damage or entry hazards. While these three cannot be countered by U-Turning, their effect can be reduced, since if a Pokemon has more HP initially, these factors will matter less. A slow bulky U-Turner can soak up a hit from the opposing Pokemon on the turn U-Turn is used, bringing in a sweeper that can take advantage of the opponent’s active Pokemon.

A Pokemon that utilizes both of the aforementioned strategies is:

Uxie @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SAtk
Nature: Bold
- U-turn
- Thunderbolt
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave

In Conclusion: U turn is a really unique move, it can be utilized in a lot of ways and a lot of different strategies.

[ikke]

I'm going to remake my old U-Turn team now. xD

[Elevator Music]

It may be helpful to note that if you U-turn to a pokemon with a Choice item that has the move U-Turn, you are stuck using it. Just a small note somewhere.

Maybe mention Yawn + U-Turn Uxie?

Overall, this was very good (imo).

[Rock Head]

i have a question, is U-turn a Physical move or a non damaging move that damages and switches?

[Elevator Music]

A Physical move with 70-Base power.

[Dragard]

i have a question, is U-turn a Physical move or a non damaging move that damages and switches?

U-Turn is physical a bug type move with 70 BP. Right after you hit the opponent, it forces you to switch to a different pokemon. So a free hit and you get to switch

[The Shadow Projekt]

It may be helpful to note that if you U-turn to a pokemon with a Choice item that has the move U-Turn, you are stuck using it. Just a small note somewhere.

Maybe mention Yawn + U-Turn Uxie?

Overall, this was very good (imo).

I agree with Elevator Music in the since that a Choice U-Turner is commonly used and would be more than applicable in this guide.

So far Good work IAC.

[DaPlayaFlow]

Perhaps jirachi's wish u-turn combination deserves a mention.. just a thought

[gbjar2]

Very helpful, thanks. Agree with elevator music about choice u-turners

[Elixir]

excellent guide! Im gonna remake my uturn team too. Wow, iac, you are really quite something