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Can training or practice make me ambidextrous?

If your ultimate goal is to become a two-handed terror on, say, the basketball or tennis court, then yes, it’s possible, but just not that easy. Start by using your non-writing hand for simple activities like brushing your teeth, buttoning your shirts, and combing your hair. At first, you’ll be tempted to revert back to your dominant hand, but resist. “With enough practice, the tasks will feel natural,” says Ira Perelle, PhD, a professor of psychology at Mercy College in New York who has studied handedness for 30 years.

When you’re no longer applying toothpaste to your face, pick up a pair of scissors and cut up some old newspapers. The squeezing motion required to use the scissors will train different hand muscles. Eventually, you’ll be able to snip straight lines, and you’ll start seeing improvements in your dribbling, swinging, and more. At that point, you can drop the scissors and focus your efforts on improving your skills in those specific areas. There’s no indication exactly how long this last stage will take, but trust us, you’ll know when your game is ready.