Using Momentum Moves to Maintain Control in Battles

Momentum is a key factor in Cobblemon battles. Maintaining momentum means keeping the pressure on your opponent, forcing them to react to your plays, and creating advantageous situations for your team. Momentum moves—like U-turn, Volt Switch, and Flip Turn—are powerful tools that allow you to pivot, scout, and retain control of the battlefield. This guide explores how to effectively use momentum moves to dominate your battles.

What Are Momentum Moves?

Momentum moves are attacks that deal damage and allow your Cobblemon to switch out immediately after hitting the target. They combine offense and utility, enabling strategic repositioning during battle.

• Key Momentum Moves:
  • U-turn (Bug-type, Physical)
  • Volt Switch (Electric-type, Special)
  • Flip Turn (Water-type, Physical)
  • Parting Shot (Dark-type, lowers target’s Attack and Special Attack)

Why Are Momentum Moves Important?

Momentum moves provide several strategic advantages:

1. Maintain Offensive Pressure: Force your opponent to stay on the defensive.
2. Scout Opponent’s Strategy: Reveal switches and gain insight into their tactics.
3. Bring in the Right Cobblemon: Safely pivot to a counter or setup sweeper.
4. Control the Pace of Battle: Keep your team in favorable positions.

Best Cobblemon for Momentum Moves

1. Scizor (Bug/Steel)

• Move: U-turn
• Why It’s Great:
  • Scizor’s high Attack and Bullet Punch pressure force switches, allowing U-turn to capitalize.
  • Great for transitioning into setup sweepers.

2. Rotom-Wash (Electric/Water)

• Move: Volt Switch
• Why It’s Great:
  • Excellent bulk lets it pivot out of dangerous situations.
  • Combines Volt Switch with Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers.

3. Dragapult (Dragon/Ghost)

• Move: U-turn
• Why It’s Great:
  • Incredible Speed ensures it pivots before taking damage.
  • U-turn pairs well with its offensive pressure and diverse coverage.

4. Infernape (Fire/Fighting)

• Move: U-turn
• Why It’s Great:
  • Blazing Speed and strong offensive presence make U-turn a great option for scouting.
  • Can pivot into setup sweepers or defensive teammates.

5. Cinderace (Fire)

• Move: U-turn
• Why It’s Great:
  • High Speed and power force switches, and U-turn ensures momentum remains in your favor.
  • Pairs well with entry hazards to chip down opponents.

6. Zeraora (Electric)

• Move: Volt Switch
• Why It’s Great:
  • Incredible Speed and offensive stats let it pivot effectively.
  • Can break down bulky Water-types before switching to a teammate.

7. Slowking (Water/Psychic)

• Move: Flip Turn
• Why It’s Great:
  • Regenerator ability heals when it pivots out.
  • Bulky enough to take hits before safely switching.

8. Grimmsnarl (Dark/Fairy)

• Move: Parting Shot
• Why It’s Great:
  • Lowers the target’s offensive stats while switching out, disrupting opponents.
  • Excellent for transitioning into defensive or setup Cobblemon.

Strategies for Using Momentum Moves

1. Pair with Hazard Setters

Momentum moves work exceptionally well with entry hazards like Stealth Rock or Spikes, as they force repeated switches that rack up chip damage.

• Example: U-turn from Cinderace forces the opponent to switch, dealing extra damage from hazards.

2. Use to Scout Opponent’s Team

Switching Cobblemon with momentum moves reveals your opponent’s preferred counters.

• Example: Volt Switch from Rotom-Wash can bait out a Ground-type, letting you bring in a Grass-type to pressure it.

3. Pivot to Counters

Use momentum moves to bring in Cobblemon that resist or counter the opponent’s next move.

• Example: Flip Turn from Slowking pivots into Ferrothorn to wall a physical attacker.

4. Support Setup Sweepers

Momentum moves create safe opportunities for setup Cobblemon to enter the battlefield.

• Example: U-turn from Scizor pivots into Dragonite, who can safely use Dragon Dance.

5. Disrupt Opponent’s Strategy

Parting Shot lowers the target’s offensive stats while switching, disrupting their momentum and forcing defensive play.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overusing Momentum Moves
   • Over-reliance on switching can make your strategy predictable.
   • Solution: Balance momentum moves with direct offense or setup.
2. Ignoring Opponent’s Counters
   • Using Volt Switch against a Ground-type wastes a turn.
   • Solution: Predict your opponent’s switch and adapt your play.
3. Forgetting Hazard Control
   • Frequent switching makes your team vulnerable to entry hazards.
   • Solution: Include hazard removal like Defog or Rapid Spin.

Sample Team Utilizing Momentum Moves

1. Rotom-Wash (Electric/Water)

• Move: Volt Switch
• Role: Pivot and status spreader.

2. Cinderace (Fire)

• Move: U-turn
• Role: Fast offensive pivot.

3. Scizor (Bug/Steel)

• Move: U-turn
• Role: Physical tank and momentum generator.

4. Ferrothorn (Grass/Steel)

• Move: Stealth Rock
• Role: Hazard setter and physical wall.

5. Dragapult (Dragon/Ghost)

• Move: U-turn
• Role: Speed control and scout.

6. Togekiss (Fairy/Flying)

• Move: Thunder Wave
• Role: Status spreader and special tank.

This team balances offense and utility, using momentum moves to keep control of the battle.

Conclusion

Momentum moves are a vital part of Cobblemon strategy, allowing you to maintain control, scout your opponent’s plays, and create favorable matchups. By incorporating momentum moves into your team and using them strategically, you can consistently outplay opponents and dictate the flow of battles.