In today’s NFL, a team isn’t complete without a reliable slot receiver. The position got its name from where it lines up on the field, pre-snap — between the tight end or offensive tackle and the outside wide receiver. But there’s more to being a slot receiver than just where you line up on the field. They run a variety of routes, must have excellent hands, and are required to block for running plays from time to time. This makes them a valuable part of any offense.
A narrow opening in something, especially one that you can put coins into to make it work: The coin slotted in easily in the slot.
An allocated or scheduled time for an aircraft to take off or land, as authorized by an airport or air-traffic control authority: The plane was supposed to have a 3-hour slot for its flight.
To assign to a slot or position: The job slotted into my schedule perfectly.
An area or position within a game: He slotted the ball into the corner of the goal.
A position in a group, series, or sequence: He moved into the second slot on the list.
The number of slots in a computer program: The software has four save slots.
Slot is also a word used to describe the curved groove in the back of a reel on a slot machine. It’s where the slot machine’s jackpot is located, and it can be a great way to win big!
In the NFL, the slot is an important position for both running and passing. The slot is usually positioned a few steps off the line of scrimmage, which allows them to run a variety of different routes and confuse the defense. On running plays, slot receivers are often asked to block for the running back and wide receiver. They help to seal off the inside, which is key for sweeps and slants. They can also help to pick up blitzes by the linebackers and secondary players.
Slot receivers must be very fast, as they are required to run a lot of different routes with varying speeds and depths. They also need to have good hands, as they are required to catch the ball in stride or under pressure. In addition to speed and hands, they must be agile and able to avoid and elude tacklers. Because they are often lined up close to the middle of the field, they are also exposed to more physical contact than other receivers. They must be able to handle big hits from strong safetys or free safeties. Lastly, they must be able to block and protect against tight coverage. They need to be able to read and anticipate blitzes from the defensive line and linebackers, which can be difficult. They must be able to get their blocks off quickly to make sure the ball carrier has room to run. They are often called into pre-snap motion before the snap, so they must be able to run quickly and have precise timing with their routes.