Slot Receivers
A slot is a position on a football field used for wide receivers who line up a few yards behind the line of scrimmage. They are a critical part of any offense because they can do things that most wideouts cannot do. They can stretch the field, make catches in the open field, and run a variety of routes. They also make great blockers for the quarterback when running a slant or sweep.
The slot formation originated in the 1960s with Oakland Raiders coach John Davis. He wanted his players to have speed and great hands so they could catch the ball out of the slot. The slot receivers were a big part of that strategy and the Raiders won a Super Bowl in 1977.
On passing plays, slot receivers run routes that correspond to other receivers in an attempt to confuse the defense. They can run a wide-open slant route that takes them behind the defense or a go route that takes them through the middle of the field.
They can also be used as a decoy, when they line up in the slot and run a motion that mimics what a wide receiver does before he catches the ball. This can fool defenders into thinking the wide receiver has a big target ahead of him, giving the quarterback time to throw the ball away or run a pass play to a different player.
Slot receivers are known for their speed, hands, and the ability to run a variety of routes. They are also able to make big plays in the open field, catching balls that might otherwise be intercepted by the defense.
The best slot receivers can do all of these things and more, but they have to learn how to do them in a specific way. This can be difficult for some people, but it is possible to develop a slot receiver’s skill set.
Some of the best slot receivers in the NFL are Tyler Boyd, Cooper Kupp, and CeeDee Lamb. They all have speed, great hands, and the ability to make big plays in the open field.
Often they are the most reliable receivers on the team and can be a huge help to the quarterback on short and deep passes. The slot receiver is also an important blocker when running a slant or sweep route.
There are many slot receivers on the roster of a professional sports team, but only a few are actually considered slot receivers in the National Football League. The position has become more popular in recent years as teams look to improve their offenses by bringing in a versatile, reliable wide receiver.
They are sometimes referred to as “slotbacks” or just “slots.”
The term slot comes from electromechanical slots, which had tilt switches that would either make or break a circuit when the machine was tipped. Unlike modern machines, which use computerized sensors and electronic systems to prevent tilting, the older mechanical slots were prone to a few problems that could be exploited by cheaters.