Slot Receiver
A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also: a position in a group, series, or sequence; a position on a vehicle or aircraft.
The Slot receiver (also known as the Inside receiver or second wide receiver) is a critical component of any football team. These receivers line up just inside the defensive tackles and tight ends, and are responsible for blocking and running routes that go to the outside of the field. The slot receiver needs to have speed and excellent hands, as well as good run-after-the-ball skills.
In the NFL, many top receivers spend some time in the slot. Examples include Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, and Stefon Diggs. The slot position has become a coveted spot for many football players, and the number of college players who specialize in the position has increased over the years.
Slot is a term that was invented in the late 1960s by Oakland Raiders head coach Al Davis. He wanted to create a position for a receiver who could line up in the middle of the field between the outermost tight end and the wide receiver. The idea was to give the offense more versatility by creating a slot receiver who could run a variety of routes and make plays in both directions.
Since the introduction of the slot position, it has remained one of the most important positions on any NFL team. A good Slot receiver can block almost any defense, from nickelbacks and outside linebackers to safeties and defensive ends. They are also often used as a ball carrier on running plays, especially pitch, reverse, and end-arounds.
Because of the importance of the Slot receiver position, the best teams always have several players who can play the position. A good Slot receiver can be a difference-maker on any offensive play, and his ability to block multiple defensive positions makes him even more valuable.
A Slot receiver can also act as a big decoy on running plays. They will often be called into pre-snap motion by the quarterback, and then they can get to the outside of the field by following their route and running into the open space behind the line of scrimmage. They may even be asked to take on a full back or safety for certain running plays.
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