Ambidexterity

Ambidexterity refers to the ability to use both the right and left hand with equal proficiency. The term applies both to human motor skills and to tools or objects designed for equal usability by right- and left-handed individuals. True ambidexterity is rare, occurring naturally in only about one per cent of the population. In modern contexts, however, many individuals develop functional ambidexterity through training, occupational demands or adaptation to equipment designed predominantly for right-handed use.

Definition and Background

Ambidexterity denotes the absence of a dominant hand, allowing an individual to perform tasks with either hand to a comparable standard. Because many daily tools—such as scissors, can openers and writing implements—are designed primarily for right-handed users, left-handed people often learn right-hand skills out of necessity. As a result, they may develop a degree of dexterity in their non-dominant hand more easily than right-handed individuals, contributing to a wider distribution of partial ambidexterity across the population.

Etymology

The word ambidextrous derives from the Latin ambi (“both”) and dexter (“right” or “favourable”). Literally, it connotes being “right on both sides”, implying equal skill rather than dual handedness in a neutral sense. An earlier English term, ambidexter, referred in legal usage to a juror who accepted bribes from both sides, illustrating a metaphorical extension of the idea of dual capability.

Writing and Everyday Skills

Some individuals demonstrate the ability to write with both hands, either naturally or through training. Notable examples include Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, James A. Garfield and Benjamin Franklin. Modern instances also include sportspeople such as Ousmane Dembélé. In India’s Singrauli district, the Veena Vadini School teaches pupils to write simultaneously with both hands, representing a structured attempt to cultivate ambidexterity from an early age.

Ambidexterity in Sport

The capacity to use both hands—or both sides of the body—confers significant advantages in many sports. Ambidexterity may influence tactics, expand a player’s repertoire of movements or allow seamless transitions between stances.
BaseballIn baseball, switch hitters are highly valued because batting opposite the pitcher’s throwing hand increases the likelihood of making effective contact. Notable switch hitters include Pete Rose, the all-time Major League Baseball hits leader.Ambidextrous pitchers are rare. Historically, Tony Mullane, Elton Chamberlain and Larry Corcoran achieved prominence in the nineteenth century. Greg A. Harris was the only twentieth-century major league player to pitch with both arms in a single game. In the twenty-first century, Pat Venditte became the first recognised switch pitcher, prompting the establishment of the “Venditte Rule”, which restricts mid–at-bat hand changes.Some players gained ambidexterity through necessity: Billy Wagner, initially right-handed, retrained himself as a left-handed pitcher after repeated arm injuries and became one of the most dominant relief pitchers of his era.
BasketballBasketball players frequently rely on both hands for dribbling, passing and scoring. Many elite players, including LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kyrie Irving, Kobe Bryant and Pau and Marc Gasol, are adept at using either hand for lay-ups, hook shots or passing manoeuvres.Some players are cross-dominant, performing certain tasks left-handed and others right-handed. For example, Ben Simmons shoots left-handed but performs most non-shooting tasks with his right hand. Tristan Thompson switched from left-handed to right-handed shooting mid-career, while players such as DeAndre Jordan or Miles Bridges show mixed hand preferences in different aspects of play.
Board SportsIn skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding, the ability to ride in either stance—regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward)—is described as riding “switch”. Mastering switch stance enhances versatility, balance and trick execution. Esteemed switch skateboarders include Rodney Mullen, Eric Koston, Paul Rodriguez Jr, Guy Mariano, Mike Mo Capaldi and Bob Burnquist. In surfing and snowboarding, switch riding is likewise considered a hallmark of advanced skill.
Combat SportsIn combat sports, fighters may adopt either an orthodox (left foot forward) or southpaw (right foot forward) stance depending on strategy. The ability to switch stances fluidly provides tactical advantages, allowing adaptation to an opponent’s style. Boxers such as Manny Pacquiao and Vasyl Lomachenko, though naturally right-handed in daily life, fight predominantly in southpaw stance. In mixed martial arts, fighters including Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida utilise stance-switching to counter strikes and takedown attempts. Bruce Lee also advocated cross-dominance in his combat philosophy, emphasising fluidity and adaptability.

Cognitive and Motor Aspects

Ambidexterity involves complex neural coordination. Most individuals have a dominant hemisphere controlling fine motor movements, but extensive practice can strengthen neural pathways governing the non-dominant hand. True ambidexterity, however, involves near-identical proficiency and is influenced by both neurology and early developmental experiences.

Cultural and Social Context

Historically, left-handedness was discouraged in many educational systems, prompting some children to develop competencies in their non-dominant hand. This practice, along with modern sports training and instrumental performance, has contributed to a wider understanding of functional ambidexterity. While natural ambidexterity remains rare, cultivated forms are widely observed across artistic, athletic and professional fields.