Left hander pickoff move

Question
QUESTION: Wwhat are the legal motions for a lefty to attempt a pickoff at 2nd?  Can he only turn toward third with his jump step?
ANSWER: There are only two ways for a pitcher (left or right) to pick to second.
1. the most used is the spin-move. From the set position, step off the rubber with your back leg (right leg for righties, left for lefties), immediately spin with to second leading with your glove hand. deliver ball to second.
2. the "Inside Move". From the set position lift your lead leg as if you were starting your delivery. When you get to highest point in your leg lift, open your chest to second base, and now plant your front foot gather yourself and deliver to second.

those are the only two legal moves a pitcher can make to second base.

Jon


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks alot.  So then it is legal for a leftie to spin towards 1st, with a runner on 1st, to pick off at 2nd?

Answer
yes...but as a lefty you must either step-off the rubber and then spin (and i would not suggest turning with your chest facing first) or use the inside move. You cannot use a jump-spin move(if you spin with your chest facing first) to pickoff at second base.
A better pick off i would suggest is one where you have your first baseman play behind the runner at first (with men a 1st and 2nd) and when you lift your leg to deliver the pitch, the 1st baseman breaks in behind the runner and you pick to first base. It is very much a timing play so practice it a lot before you use it in a game.

good luck

Jon