Right-handers make up about 90% of the population, which means they are in the majority. While there are many things both right- and left-handers can do equally well, some activities do seem to favor right-handed people. In sports, art, and even just everyday tasks, right-handers may have some advantages thanks to living in a right-handed world. Understanding what right-handers excel at can help us support both right- and left-handed people in reaching their full potential.
Sports
Many sports were designed with right-handed players in mind. As a result, right-handers often have an edge in popular sports like baseball, tennis, and boxing. Here are some examples of what right-handers tend to be better at in sports:
- Baseball – Batting and throwing right-handed provides an advantage. Most baseball gloves are also designed for the left hand.
- Tennis – The backhand swing tends to be more natural and powerful on the right side. Most tennis racquets are designed for righties.
- Boxing – A right-handed fighter’s powerful rear hand can be an asset in boxing matches.
- Golf – Right is the dominant hand for most golf swings. Golf club sets are also designed for righties.
- Fencing – Right-handers have an advantage maneuvering their weapon in the traditional en garde stance.
In sports that rely heavily on one-sided strengths like a swinging motion or handed equipment, righties often perform better from the start. Lefties may need adaptation or specialty equipment to reach their full potential.
Art and Drawing
Art and drawing also tend to favor right-handed abilities. Many art tools and techniques were created by and for right-handed artists. Right-handers usually excel at:
- Calligraphy – Fluid lettering motions often favor the right hand.
- Pen, pencil, and charcoal drawing – Shading techniques work best from right to left.
- Painting an canvas – Right-handed brush strokes are usually smoother.
- Pottery wheel throwing – Spinning the wheel with the left while sculpting with the right feels natural.
- Sculpting – Right hands can better handle fine detail work in sculpting.
Again, left-handers can learn to adapt in these areas but may be initially challenged by right-leaning tools, materials, and methods. Ambidextrous or left-specific techniques can open up art and drawing for left-handed skills.
Everyday Tasks
Beyond specialized activities, many everyday objects and tasks also favor right-handed abilities. Right-handers tend to excel at using products designed for the right hand and maneuvers that come naturally on the right side. Some examples include:
- Using right-handed scissors, knives, and can openers
- Using computer mice and driving vehicles designed for righties
- Writing smoothly from left to right
- Using right-side smartphone navigation gestures
- Shaking hands upon greeting
- Holding a baby on the left side to leave the right hand free
In a world built to suit right-handed preferences, righties can handle daily tasks efficiently. Lefties may need left-specific tools or unconventional methods to achieve the same ease of use.
Cognitive Differences
Beyond physical activities, some research also suggests right- and left-handers excel in different cognitive areas. However, findings are mixed on whether handedness actually correlates to mental strengths and weaknesses. Some patterns researchers have proposed include:
- Lefties may have superior verbal skills and emotional processing.
- Righties may have better spatial relations and mathematical reasoning.
- Lefties may be better at divergent thinking and generating novel ideas.
- Righties may be better at following established problem-solving methods.
However, many experts argue there is insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions. Handedness likely interplays with a variety of genetic and environmental factors. More research is needed to untangle cognitive impacts.
Multitasking
One cognitive area where right-handers do appear consistently advantaged is multitasking. Studies show right-handers are better at tasks requiring simultaneous mental and physical coordination. For example, righties excel at:
- Taking notes while listening to a lecture
- Texting while walking or holding objects
- Assembling objects while following instructions
- Playing musical instruments while reading sheet music
Righties’ ability to fluidly multitask motor and cognitive skills likely stems from left-brain lateralization. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and also handles much logical processing. This efficient system lets righties seamlessly integrate mental and manual tasks. Lefties’ brain hemispheres are more interconnected, which enhances some skills but can hamper multitasking.
Conclusion
In summary, right-handers tend to excel at:
- Sports requiring one-handed equipment and swinging motions
- Art forms and techniques designed to favor the right hand
- Using everyday tools built for righties
- Simultaneous cognitive and motor activities
However, while righties enjoy some advantages, lefties also have strengths to cultivate. With accommodations, training, and practice, left-handers can achieve just as much. By understanding areas right-handers excel, we can create an equitable world that supports both left- and right-handers in reaching their potential.