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When starting Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, I think new players should avoid worrying too much about creating a theoretically perfect team. The early part of the game is actually fun because your options are limited and every new Pokémon you discover can feel important. Depending on your starter, Pokémon such as Pidgey, Nidoran, Mankey, Pikachu, Caterpie, Weedle, and later additions can give you useful choices for building a balanced team. Pidgey is an easy early option because having a Flying-type Pokémon can be useful throughout the adventure, and its evolution gives you a familiar and dependable team member. Nidoran is particularly interesting because its eventual evolution provides a lot of flexibility, making the Nidoran lines worth considering even if they do not initially look spectacular. Mankey is another Pokémon I particularly like for an early FireRed or LeafGreen team because Fighting-type attacks can provide useful coverage and it gives players a way to approach certain battles differently. Pikachu is an obvious choice for players who want an Electric-type, although it is not necessary for completing the game. Caterpie and Weedle are also interesting early-game Pokémon because their early evolutions happen quickly, allowing new players to experience the evolution system almost immediately. Your starter should also influence your choices. With Charmander, for example, I like adding Pokémon that give the team coverage against types and opponents that can create problems for a Fire-type starter. With Squirtle, you already have Water coverage, so you can use other team slots for different roles. Bulbasaur gives you Grass and Poison coverage early, allowing you to experiment with other types. One thing I particularly enjoy about FireRed and LeafGreen is that the games don't require an elaborate competitive strategy to be enjoyable. You can simply catch something because you like its design and then figure out how to make it useful. In fact, some of the most memorable teams are often the ones that weren't planned perfectly. A Pokémon that initially seems average can become a favorite after surviving an important battle or learning a move that unexpectedly helps the team. For that reason, my biggest early-game recommendation is to experiment. Catch several Pokémon, see which ones you enjoy using, pay attention to type coverage, and don't be afraid to replace a team member when something more interesting appears. The journey through Kanto is more enjoyable when your team feels like something you discovered rather than a predetermined list you were simply following.