A narrow notch, groove or opening, as in a piece of machinery. Also: a small space in a building, as used for a mailbox or utility hook. Often used in place of a bolt or screw to fasten something.
Slot is the second wide receiver position and has become a very popular spot on offenses throughout the league. It’s important for slot receivers to have good route running skills, excellent hands and precise timing. They must be able to adjust to the quarterback and read coverages.
Many famous slot receivers have had successful careers in the NFL. These include Wayne Chrebet, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Andre Rison. They are typically shorter and more stocky than their outside counterparts, but they are very quick and have outstanding hands. They are a key part of the team’s offensive playbook and are sometimes even more valuable than their No. 1 or No. 2 receivers on their teams.
While the slot receiver position has become much more popular in recent years, it has been around for several decades. It was first popularized by former Oakland Raiders head coach Al Davis. His strategy was to use a wide receiver in the backfield that lined up just inside the offensive tackle, and then he would send another wide receiver out into the field on the outside. This left the middle of the field open for running plays and deep passes to the slot receiver.
In addition to their catching and running skills, slot receivers must be great blockers. They must be able to pick up blitzes and protect the outside running back or wide receiver on run plays. They must also be able to get their bodies in front of the defensive linemen on pass protection and help shield the ball carrier from linebackers and cornerbacks.
Because the slot receiver often lines up in the backfield, they are called upon to act like a running back at times as well. They will often be asked to be the ball carrier on pitch plays, reverses and end-arounds. They are usually sent in motion by the quarterback before the ball is snapped, and they must be able to catch the ball with a lot of speed.
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