Does participation in athletics keep teens out of trouble? “I have failed over and over in my life and that's why I succeed” a quote by Michael Jordan. Everyone knows someone who has ruined their life with crime, drugs, and other bad behavior. Just because they did something they aren't proud of doesn't mean their life is over, there are other things they can do to move them away from it. A bad choice does not mean that you are a bad person or that there is no hope for you. There are other positive ways to spend your time. There have been teenagers who have done something they are not proud of, but to avoid doing it again or doing something negative, try something positive. Join a sports team in your high school - it will give you something positive in your life and guide you on the right path, away from trouble. There are many reasons why teenagers get into trouble. Many things have an effect on your behavior. Many teenagers who live in a single-parent household or whose parents work a lot get into trouble (Margolis). They are left without supervision and with too much free time. Too much free time gives teens plenty of opportunities to get into trouble (Margolis). When teenagers have free time they get bored and want to do something to occupy their time. Sometimes they turn to negative ways like gangs. Teenagers need a positive idol or someone to look up to (Thomas). When a police officer was asked about youth crime, he said, “Teens with a lack of family support or support in general cause youth crime” (Margolis). Teenagers tend to look up to their parents and if they set a bad example their children tend to follow in their footsteps. All teenagers need a way to escape everyday problems (Wall). Many... half of the article... examples of aerobic exercises that work the heart and supply oxygen to the muscles, getting you into shape (Murphy). All in all athletics have many benefits for teenagers, not only keeping them out of trouble, but doing many other things that help them significantly. Now when you see that person or you are that person who is going in the wrong direction with his lives and gets into trouble. You can do something about it; tell them that doing anything won't help them achieve their goals. You can tell them that athletics can help you go in the right direction. Athletics can help change a life. Even if you don't work well with others, there are sports where you work more with yourself, so there's no reason why you shouldn't play them. Sports are a positive way to get rid of negative emotions and keep yourself and others out of trouble.