Important Things to Know About Slot Receivers
A Slot receiver lines up inside of a cornerback, inside the boundary. They are capable of blocking runs and catching passes on either side of the field, while running routes off pure speed. As a slot receiver, you won’t have to deal with crushing blocks. Here are some important things to know about this position.
Slot receivers line up inside of a boundary cornerback
A slot receiver plays a unique role on the offensive side of the field. Typically, they line up on either the left or right side of the boundary cornerback, and they can line up in a variety of different packages. Their versatility makes them an excellent option for offensive teams, as they can score touchdowns on many different types of plays.
This position was once a key component of offensive schemes. It created mismatches in the middle of the field. But in the NFL today, the role of the slot has become less important. Many of the best pass catchers are now lining up on the inside. Last year, Keenan Allen, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Thielen, and Tyreek Hill all played the slot on at least half of their snaps. In addition, Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, and Christian Kirk were all very effective as slot receivers.
They can catch passes on either side of the field
While receiving passes from the quarterback is their primary role, Slot receivers are also important in the blocking game. Because of their shorter size, Slot receivers have to be quick and nimble to get around defenders. These receivers are often called upon to chip defensive ends or nickelbacks, which is an extremely important role on outside running plays.
A Slot receiver’s route consists of short, cutting routes. Because they don’t have a sideline on either side of the field, they can break in either direction and avoid the best defenders. Slot receivers also have to have the ability to create separation and beat defenders vertically, which is a significant advantage.
They can block runs on either side of the field
A slot receiver plays an important blocking role. Slots line up near defensive positions and are a key part of the offense’s blocking scheme. They chip in on outside linebackers, nickelbacks, safeties, and even defensive ends. Their role is particularly important on outside run plays.
To be effective as a slot receiver, you must study coverage film and key into the nuances of linebacker alignments. For instance, if you line up in the slot, the outside linebacker will line up inside of you and block you from running inside. To beat him, you must attack his inside leverage and break him in a different direction.
They can run routes off pure speed
Slot receivers can stretch the defense vertically off pure speed and are a favorite of quarterbacks because of their speed. They can run several different routes at one time, allowing the quarterback to spread the defense and create more room for his receivers. They can also run choice routes and basic deep option routes, leaving defenders in a bind and letting the quarterback find the open receivers.
One of the most common routes that slots can run is the “go route,” also known as the “9 route.” This route requires the receiver to vary his speed and distance from the corner of the end zone, as he is trying to eat up the cushion and get past the defensive back. The go route is usually executed by quarterbacks who put a great deal of air under the throw. A slot receiver can run this route with ease, as Calvin Ridley has done.
They can be used as a shield
Slots can be used as shields in plasma torches, allowing slag and melted metal to escape the torch. They typically have a width of about twice as wide as the nearest adjacent castellation. However, they can be wider, up to 2:1.
Shields can be stacked, but you need to make sure that each shield has a stacking header. This is important because many shields have male break-away headers, which don’t have a place to plug in another shield. Stacking headers are important because they make life easier later on.