[Kaijo]

To drain pasta or noodles quickly, I put it in a colander, hold it above my kitchen sink, and swirl it around in quick circles. I realized about a month ago my circles are always counterclockwise, and very efficient, but that I can't keep a clockwise spin going for more than a few cycles before messing up. Since then I keep trying to spin my pasta clockwise (such are the small excitements and adventures of my wfh life), starting with very slow movements, but I just can't do it. There's something weird about this motor skill specifically that eludes me. I'm left-handed but my right-handed writing is reasonable and I play piano with matched abilities in both hands. Maybe one day, with enough practice, my pasta will go clockwise.

[Tor3]

You're right-handed, right? It is more natural to move your hand in counter-clockwise circles than the opposite. People who have never swirled pasta or anything like that will feel the same if you ask them to make swirling motions with their hands. Inwards is easier - clockwise with your left hand, counterclockwise with your right hand.

[yzydserd]

A literature search didn't turn much evidence of this at all, let alone conclusive evidence. Any sources? I swirl right hand clockwise. I also draw circles clockwise. One article said circle drawing direction was likely cultural or linked to handwriting systems, not which was more "natural".

[kazinator]

The right hand is associted with clockwise motion. Screws are "righty tighty"; if not they are called to be opposite threaded or left threaded. I suspect most right handed people, if given a string and bobbin, such that they hold the bobbin with their left hand, will use their right hand to wind the string clockwise onto the bobbin.

A four-legged animal's right front paw makes clockwise circular with respect to the sagittal plane of its body, as it walks.

On a recumbent bicycle with hand pedals, the right hand crank goes clockwise. It would be weaker the other way.

For all kinds of motions, it's better when the hand is coming down in the extended-arm position, working with gravity.

Extreme example: if you are hammering something with your right hand, of course, you raise the hammer and extend your arm, let it fall and then retract your arm. That creates a clockwise motion. Counter-clockwise hammering something upward from below is awkward. You also wouldn't want the workpiece close to you so that you are raising the hammer with your extended arm, bringing it it in and dropping it with closed arm. It's bad leverage: raising with the extended arm is harder.

This hammering motion applies when doing something like winding a rope onto a bobbin. You have to raise your right hand and forearm against gravity and that is better when it is closer to your chest. Then drop it down slightly away from your chest. Clockwise winding has compellingly better ergonomics for the right hand.