The age group is 11u. We are currently using the inside/outside audible to make the play. What I've observed is that the 1st baseman can't hear him. Several reasons, but the key one is that half the crowd of coaches, parents, and players and yelling, "RUNNNNNN!". The other half are yelling at the catcher to throw to first. I know its not hard to believe but the opposing team base coach was yelling "run" directly at my 1st baseman, knowing it would distract him. Part of the game I guess...
We will stick with this approach on this play for now, but I'm thinking the first baseman is going to need to start reacting inside or outside based on where the ball goes when it is first dropped by the catcher.
Do you recommend the first baseman leave the bag by a few steps to ensure they get a clean line of view to the thrown ball?
Maybe we just need more practice. Maybe we should focus on the root cause as to why the catcher is dropping the ball...