Wow... I haven't been here in forever... or at least anything team building relating. So nostalgic...

Anyway, off of my trip down memory lane. My friend and I have recently picked up our old Advanced Generation games (marching band does that to ya, ha) and we're looking to battle each other. Now, I'm a bit out of practice with building competitive teams... I think the last time I ever actually did was back in the days of RBY and some meddling around in GSC. So, I'm kind of lost in this whole thing. I'd just basically like some tips as to what are good ways to build teams, what items are useful (those items completely get me, I have no clue about those), and what old strategies are useless now that they've come up with some new moves and the Pokémon powers. My friend is the kind of kid that goes for all out offense, if that helps at all.

Thanks a lot, guys.