Question about traveling...

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Originally Posted by greatgamer

I understand that two steps are completely legal. For instance, if a player picks up the ball after making his last dribble with his right foot planted, his next two steps would proceed with the left foot, followed by the right foot. His left foot would be his pivot foot.

2 steps are not legal in your cases. Player picks up the ball with his right foot planted, then the right foot is the pivot foot. He/she may lift the right foot, but not return it to the ground. Travelling violation if they do.

Originally Posted by greatgamer

But what if upon picking up the ball after making his last dribble with his right foot planted, he doesn't take the step with his left foot, followed by right? Instead, he decides to skip with his right foot (step 1) and then takes the next step (step 2). So now the right foot is his pivot foot.

2nd example is also a travel. Player picks up the ball with right foot planted. Right foot is the pivot foot. At this point they may pass/shoot/call-TO. If they "skip", they're lifting the pivot foot and returning it to the ground. Travel.

Originally Posted by greatgamer

It's still two steps on the second example, but there seems to be a lot of confusion about it, because the unorthodox player skips, and it really throws off the rhythm of the defense.

Of course it is unorthodox...it's illegal. Don't know where you heard 2 steps is legal, but if you're an official, or studying to be one, it's best to get that concept out of your head fast.