Slot Receivers

The Slot is a place in the offensive zone that is in between the face-off circles. This area represents the highest chance of scoring without deflection.

Slot receivers are an important cog in the blocking wheel. They must have great speed, strong hands, and advanced blocking ability. Their role is especially important on outside running plays.

A slot receiver’s role is a lot more flexible than an outside receiver. He or she can chip the outside linebacker, run a route, or make a quick out. In addition, he or she may also serve as a pass catcher or running back.

Slot receivers are usually smaller than outside wide receivers. This allows them to run shorter routes on the route tree. However, they have more flexibility than an outside receiver because they can go inward or outward.

Slot receivers chip the outside linebackers and may need to chip the defensive end. But they don’t have to worry about the crushing blocks that an outside receiver would have to endure. As a result, they are much more agile.

Slot receivers must have excellent awareness of the field. That means they have to be able to read the defense and know their positions. It also means they need to be on the same page as the quarterback. Getting on the same page is especially important on outside running plays.

Slot receivers can become a big decoy for future plays. Their position is critical, so they must master each passing route.