While some kids have never played sports by this age, the vast majority have at some point – and quit. Try to understand what happened. Bad experience with a coach? Lack of playing time? Performance anxiety? No friends on the team? Then chart your course.

Social media and YouTube expose teens to a world of eye-catching activities – and there are more options than ever. From pickleball to Spikeball, parkour to Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, Ultimate frisbee to competitive hip hop dance, there’s probably an opening.

At large public schools especially, it can be hard to make teams, much less get playing time, in sports like basketball, soccer or baseball that some kids have played since pre-K. Others traditionally make room for all who want to participate, such as track and field.

The most innovative schools recognize the supply of experiences in some sports may not meet the demand for them. Some offer intramurals. Others partner with local clubs and recreation departments to find or create opportunities for them to keep playing.

Interscholastic competition – school vs. school teams sanction by a state federation – isn’t the only form of sport that schools should offer. Ask if students or teachers can start their clubs for activities of shared interest such as biking, surfing or martial arts.

Only 8 states require P.E. in every grade and the reality is many schools fall short due to limited staffing and emphasis on academic testing. Still, ask: What’s the curriculum? Is the focus on physical literacy, fitness, sport sampling, mental and emotional well-being?

Demand for fitness activities and yoga is strong among high school students, Project Play’s survey shows. And the older they are, the more they desire these activities. So call around. Many private clubs offer great rates for students, along with gyms for pickup ball.

Unified Sports bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team to train, compete and build friendships. The Special Olympics initiative is growing rapidly across U.S. schools in soccer, basketball, flag football, bowling and other sports.

Golf. Tennis. Hiking. Volleyball. Skiing and snowboarding. Family activities can be plenty fun and you moving your body matters – parents are role models. Casual play also leaves ample room for schoolwork, the most common reason that high school students don’t join teams.

Tech is part of the problem – getting teens off social media. But digital tools also can offer solutions. Consult search marketplaces to find camps and sport options. Tap AI chatbots for ideas, customized for your teen. Use fitness and activity trackers and reward them for steps taken.