Slot Receivers
A slot (or esclot) is a narrow depression, perforation or aperture in which a piece can fit, sliding in. It is used in many different ways, from the apex of a door to a gap between wing surfaces on an airplane.
Slot receivers, also known as nickel backs or slot corners, are a type of wide receiver that has become more common in recent years. They are usually shorter and faster than traditional wide receivers. This makes them a perfect fit for a team looking to get more speed on the ball.
Unlike traditional wide receivers, who must stretch the defense vertically, slot receivers can run all sorts of routes that aren’t centered on the boundary. These can include slants, catches and quick outs. They’re able to run these routes because of their speed and their ability to get open in the air.
In addition to their speed, slot receivers are also strong defensive players. They can stop the pass and make plays in the run game. This is because they’re able to get behind the quarterback and block him, and they can also use their speed to help prevent the quarterback from completing passes.
They can also cover a lot of ground because they’re able to move in and out. This can be useful in covering a wide receiver or a running back, which is why they’re often called on to play in two-receiver offensive sets and also in three-receiver defensive sets.
Another thing that slot receivers do is carry the ball from time to time. This is done mainly during pitch plays, reverses and end-arounds, where they’re called into pre-snap motion by the quarterback. They don’t deal crushing blocks like offensive linemen, but they do have to be fast enough and have excellent hand strength to keep the ball out of the hands of other defenders.
Because of their speed and their great hand strength, slot receivers can cover a lot of ground on the field. They are able to do this because they’re shorter and faster than outside wide receivers, who have to deal with bigger men on their way to the ball.
When a Slot receiver does catch the ball, they typically try to go to the side of the field closest to their position so that they can run the ball as quickly as possible. This helps them make big gains when they’re in the air, and it also makes it harder for defenders to catch up to them.
The slot receiver may also be able to pick up the smallest of slants, hooks, and jukes that are usually difficult for outside receivers to make. These are important in the NFL because they help the Slot receivers make big gains against their opponents’ fronts.
Slot receivers are a very important part of the offense, especially in the modern game. The majority of teams are now using this type of wide receiver to target opposing passers. The reason why this is happening is because the game has changed so much in the last few seasons. There’s been a shift away from the three-receiver formations of the past, and more teams are using the slot receiver to bring in more speed and depth on the field.