sidehandlings

Sidehandlings is a cross-field term describing the practice of managing or manipulating something from a lateral, or side, position. Because the concept applies to multiple domains, the precise definition varies by context.

In warehousing and logistics, side-handling refers to operations that access goods from the side of storage aisles or from side-entry equipment. It can involve side-loading forklifts or pallet jacks, and emphasizes minimizing re-positioning, maximizing aisle clearance, and safety considerations such as maintaining stable loads and avoiding collisions with shelving or nearby workers.

In athletics and ball sports, side-handling denotes the development of lateral control and handling of the ball or equipment. Coaching uses side-handling drills to improve footwork, balance, and ball control when moving laterally, shielding the ball from opponents, or receiving passes from the side.

Etymology and usage notes: the term is a compound of “side” and “handling” and has appeared in various industry glossaries and training manuals. There is no single universal definition, and the meaning tends to be specialized to the field in which it is used. Related concepts include lateral handling and side-loading, which capture similar ideas in different contexts.

See also: lateral handling, side-loading, side-entry equipment.