What Is a Slot?

slot

A slot is a narrow opening in something that can be used to insert or pull out another item. A slot can be found in a piece of furniture, a computer, or even an aircraft. It can also refer to a time on a calendar or schedule.

A quality slot receiver is crucial to a team’s success. They not only provide quarterbacks with a versatile and reliable receiving option, but they can also help protect outside run plays and provide blockers for tight ends or fullbacks.

Route Running

A good Slot receiver knows just about every route they can run, and they have to be precise with their timing. They also need to have great chemistry with the quarterback in order to get on the same page. Blocking
Slot receivers are a big part of the blocking wheel for offenses, and they need to be able to pick up blitzes well. They also need to be able to provide protection on outside run plays, and they often are called into pre-snap motion to help with this. In addition, they will sometimes act as a ball carrier on pitch plays or end-arounds, so they need to be fast and be able to outrun the defense. They also need to be able to do this while being a responsible blocker who doesn’t give away any gaps for the defenders to exploit. This is a tough balance to strike.