What it does
Sticky Web is a hazard move that lays webbing on the opponent's half of the field. From then on, every Pokémon they switch in drops one Speed stage the moment it lands — that's the whole point.
A one-stage Speed drop can flip the matchup: a foe that would normally out-speed you might now fall behind. It deals no damage; what it does is apply field-wide Speed pressure. As long as the web is up, every switch on their side eats that drop. For a team that wins by moving first, that's a standing edge.
Know the limits: Flying types, anything with Levitate, and Pokémon that are off the ground are unaffected — they never touch the web. So if the foe leans on Flying or Levitate, Sticky Web's reach shrinks a lot.
Who runs it
Araquanid runs Sticky Web in Champions at 8% usage — a niche line, usually a lead-and-set-web plan. Araquanid is Water/Bug, so Sticky Web is a STAB hazard for it. Lead with it, set the web, and frame the Speed game for the rest of the match. It's bulky, so it can weather the opponent's early pressure and get the web down more reliably than a frail setter.
How to use it
The core rhythm is set the web first, cash in on switches later. Get it down early, and every non-Flying, non-Levitate foe they bring in is a stage slower. A target your sweeper couldn't out-speed before might be beatable once the web is up.
Doubles plays a little differently from singles — switches are less frequent, but if a foe gets swapped in grounded, the web hits it. Remember the web only slows Pokémon switched in; it doesn't directly affect whatever is already on the field when it goes down.
The set-up turn deals no damage, so you're trading one action for a global Speed lead. Pick the timing: the safest turn is before the foe builds pressure, or when a partner can cover you while you set it.
Tips & strategy
Rapid Spin clears the web — but only from the user's own side. The foe can't Rapid Spin away the web you set on them. The move that removes the web set on you is Defog, and Defog clears all hazards from both sides.
A foe holding Heavy-Duty Boots switches in unaffected — no Speed drop. When boots are common in the meta, Sticky Web's payoff falls off, so size up the odds of boots before you commit to setting.
Flying and Levitate Pokémon are fully immune, so Sticky Web is best against teams built on Ground-bound, grounded Pokémon. If half the opposing team is in the air, this hazard slot offers limited value.