Moves-of-the-Week Discussion #86: Circle Throw & Dragon Tail

winstein · Mar 14, 2014

In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Circle Throw & Dragon Tail are chosen.

Generation 5 gave us a new method to remove an opposing Pokémon from battle, or in a trainer's battle, force them to switch into a random teammate. The main purpose of this move is to take advantage of the disadvantages of switching, such as entry hazard damage and cancelling boosts, with the extra disadvantage of not allowing the opponent to choose who they need. Despite being weaker than several attacks, they somehow manage to get the job done. It should be noted that a higher level Pokémon in the wild cannot be removed, even if you succeed with that move. An opponent's Substitute will prevent the forced switch, though Infiltrator could still force them out this way (in Seviper's case).

Here's the in-game description for both moves (both have the same description):

Circle Throw (XY) said:
Type: Fighting (Physical)
Base Power: 60
Accuracy: 90%
PP: 10

The target is thrown, and a different Pokémon is dragged out. In the wild, this ends a battle against a single Pokémon.

Dragon Tail (XY) said:
Type: Dragon (Physical)
Base Power: 60
Accuracy: 90%
PP: 10

The target is knocked away, and a different Pokémon is dragged out. In the wild, this ends a battle against a single Pokémon.

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:

How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):

These moves are performed after most moves, thanks to its priority of -6. Why is that?
How is it possible for a Pokémon with Circle Throw to lift their target?
Would this move be considered a territorial move?
Despite being weaker attacks than some other attacks such as Brick Break and Dragon Claw, this move displays its own form of strength. How does it force out the Pokémon in the first place?
Why is it impossible to switch if the opposing trainer only have one Pokémon remaining?
How is it that a higher level Pokémon in the wild is not affected by the forced switch, yet it could affect another trainer's higher level Pokémon?

Here are the current users for Circle Throw:

(Level-up)

Poliwrath
Throh
Pancham & Pangoro

(Breeding)
Kangaskhan
Whismur, Loudred & Exploud
Buneary & Lopunny
Riolu & Lucario

Here are the current users for Dragon Tail (put in Spoiler tag due to the large list):

(Level-up)

Dratini, Dragonair & Dragonite
Flygon
Salamence
Druddigon
Dragalge
Tyrunt & Tyrantrum

(Breeding)
Charizard
Blastoise
Arbok
Nidoqueen & Nidoking
Onix & Steelix
Lickitung & Lickilicky
Rhydon & Rhyperior
Gyarados
Mew
Meganium
Feraligatr
Slowking
Tyranitar
Lugia
Aggron
Seviper
Milotic
Groudon & Rayquaza
Rampardos
Garchomp
Dialga, Palkia & Giratina
Serperior
Samurott
Krookodile
Scraggy & Scrafty
Archeops
Eelektross
Fraxure & Haxorus
Deino, Zweilous & Hydreigon
Reshiram, Zekrom & Kyurem
Helioptile & Heliolisk
Amaura & Aurorus
Goodra
Zygarde

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The General Pokémon Forum Staff

Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:

Next Move-of-the-Week: Friendship affects its power.

Steel_Justice · Mar 16, 2014

Every pokemon who learns circle throw has arms so it's just grab and toss. Likewise every pokemon who learns dragon tail has a tail or has an elongated body which is like having a body that's a tail so just smack em with that. Though pokemon with short tails like Blastoise do raise some questions.

Circle throw could be used to move objects far, could have some use in construction. Dragon tail could be used by pokemon to play baseball if they can't swing a bat or something.

Since every pokemon has the anatomy (more or less) to use each move it's easy to imagine it being done by virtually anyone.

In battle need a troublesome opponent or someone who's setting up for a sweep out of the picture? Just bat'em away with a dragon tail and deal with it later under more favorable conditions

Both moves may be slow on execution which can explain the negative priority. Circle throw being a grab may require an opponent to leave themselves open for the move to work. Dragon tail uses an appendage that is almost always facing away from the opponent which would mean a user needs to turn around to use it which would slow them down.

Pokemon who learn circle throw are pretty big or are fighting types who have a reputation for high physical strength. Though size rarely means much in pokemon since some of the strongest or most durable pokemon are some of the smaller ones like excadrill.

I'm pretty sure the dex implies that if Throh came across something in its hood that it didn't like it would toss it out literally.

I do gotta wonder why there aren't more fighting types that can learn circle throw. At the very least Machamp's family line should learn it being wrestlers and all.

Moves-of-the-Week Discussion #86: Circle Throw & Dragon Tail

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winstein

Mari-yo Puyo

Steel_Justice

Forged in Combat

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