The following is an example of how the layout should look. Note that this isn't an actual analysis.
Forretress- By Tony32
Introduction
Foretress
Bug / Steel
Sturdy - OHKO moves used will fail.
HP: 75
Atk: 90
Def: 140
Sp.A: 60
Sp.D 60
Spe: 40
Overview
Despite the outburst of the new and improved spiker Ferrothorn, Forretress still has it's pros and cons in Generation 5. The good news, Forretress still does its job at setting up spikes and threatening to spin away entry hazards. The bad news, unlike Forretress, Ferrothorn has a unique typing which means it has more changes to come in and set up Spikes, and Stealth Rocks. Don't count out Forretress though, it's still proven to be an excellent Pokemon to use in this generation despite the tough competition it faces down the line.
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In Depth/Move Sets
Physically Defensive
Foretress w/ Shed Shell/Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Nature: Relaxed
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake / Volt Charge / Gyro Ball
Set Comments
This is Forretress Physically Defensive set. Forretress base 140 Defense lets it withstand most Physical attacks. The idea here is to come in on a Pokemon that Forretress can take on, and set up entry hazards from there. Spikes wares the opponent team down, and causes a lot of switches. Rapid Spin gives Forretress the ability to spin away any opponent entry hazards. The last move is up to you, you can use Earthquake, which can threaten Forretress counters like Heatran, Magnezone, Blaziken, and Lucario. Volt Charge is an interesting move that Forretress now has access to, it's a Electric U-Turn. You can now scout on what the opponent is about to bring out to combat your forretress, and use it to get out of tough situations. Gyro Ball is used to take care of threats like Garchomp, Dragonite, and Terrakion. As stated earlier, it's up to you and the rest of your team when you're picking the last move for forretress, they each have their pluses and negatives.
Additional Comments
252 HP gives Forretress the right amount of health for it to be Physically bulky enough to take hits. A bit of Special Defense lets Forretress take a few hits on the Special Side, but not much. If you do decide to use Earthquake as the last move in Forretress set listed above, you can use the alternative 252 HP / 112 Atk / 144 Def to do a bit more damage to Forretress counters. Shed Shell lets Forretress escape from trappers like Magnezone, and Chandelure (only in DW). Leftovers also can be used as a second option, it doesn't hurt to have a little HP added to Forretress health every turn.
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Post-Analysis
Other Options
Forretress is a supporter, so it's going to have other support moves that are viable enough to be in a set. First things first, Forretress gets access to both Light Screen and Reflect. Together the two can be extremely useful weather it's using it to set another team mate up, or using it so it has a better time setting up Spikes. Every since Forretress was introducted, it has lacked something that he needs desperately needs. Instant Recovery. It has access to Rest, but who wants to wait three turns until it wakes up? You can also run a Rest / Sleep Talk combination on Forretress, but it can be taunted which can lead to it struggling. Pain split is a very interesting move, it can be used for Recovery, it isn't very reliable, but it can work.
Teammates
Due to Forretress typing, it only has one weakness. Fire. So it would be smart to pair it up with a bulky water like Jellicant, and Vaporeon. Vaporeon gets a special mention, as it has the ability to Wish Pass to Forretress, which can be excellent at timesl considering Forretress has no reliable way to recover. Heatran is also another good team mate, Forretress attracts fire types, Heatran gets a boost from fire type moves due to it's ability Flash Fire. Special walls like Blissey, and Chansey can withstand fire attacks aimed at Forretress, but you need to watch out for Dual Fire/Fighting Pokemon such as Blaziken, that's where your bulky water comes into place. Forretress loves to use Rapid Spin when the time is needed, so packing a spin blocker is suggested.
Counters
Heatran is a Forretress check as it can come in on any move besides Earthquake, and threaten Forretress with Fire Blast. Much like Heatran, Blaziken can come in and set up on Forretress, with a speed boost, and proceed from there. If Forretress doesn't have Gyro Ball, Salamence and Dragonite can come in and set up right in Forretress face, so be prepared to use other members of your team to combat the two. Haxorus can come in on Forretress without Gyro Ball and proceed with a Swords Dance followed by Earthquake. Forretress also needs to watch out for LO Latias / Latios, as they commonly carry Hidden Power: Fire to combat steel types like Forretress, and Scizor.
Opinion
Generation 5 have given Forretress some tough competition with the release of Ferrothorn, despite all of that, it's still a Pokemon that you should have in mind when making a Stall or Semi Stall team, or if you need a supporter in general. With above average defensive stats, and nice bulk, Forretress is a pokemon you shouldn't overlook.
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The format does not have to look exactly like this, but it should be basically the same layout.