Stretching is the sports equivalent of flossing: No kid likes to do it, but if they don’t, they’ll regret it when they’re your age.

That’s probably because they’re used to static stretches so make them more dynamic — literally. Dynamic stretches use the body’s full range of motion, often mimicking the activity you’re about to do, so they feel less like homework and more like play. 

Here’s what you do: Pair off players and give each pair a ball. 

Stretch #1: Players take turns holding the ball while the other taps either side with their feet — first the instep, then the outside of the foot.

Stretch #2: Little dropkicks back and forth with hops in between each kick to get the blood flowing and the heart rate up.

Stretch #3: Running just up to the ball and giving it a teeny tiny nudge — barely a touch — back and forth.

A few short minutes upfront and their muscles will thank you.