"Ash battles with more insight in Pokémon XY/XYZ???"

Am I the only one or does Ash's battles in the XY story arc have more of Ash relying on strategy than just going in recklessly? This struck me quite a few times like during his battle with Olympia at the Anastar Gym or during the Lumiose Gym battle against Clemont, or the one against that fairy type gym leader who's also the fashion designer? Like, he seems to contemplate his attacks or find a way to defend multiple moves in advance.Almost like when he developed Counter Shield in the Diamond and Pearl arc. via /r/pokemon http://ift.tt/2ojyIbC