Effect of Handedness on Gross Motor Skill Acquisition in a Novel Sports Skill Task

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in performance and form scores between left and right-handers who observed a demonstration with their non-dominant hand. A lacrosse shot was demonstrated to 69 college-aged participants with equal representations on gender and handedness. Half of each group saw a left-handed demonstration while the other half saw a right-handed demonstration. Participants were assessed on accuracy and form. Results showed left-handers performed better than right-handers on accuracy and form and appeared to be able to glean important information from an opposite-handed demonstration in comparison to right-handers. Implications for teaching and future research possibilities are discussed.