A slot is a narrow opening or groove in something. It’s usually a place in a computer or container where you can insert a printed circuit board or expansion board. It’s also a place for a disk drive to be installed in a computer, though it can be a place for a hard drive as well.
Definition: The slot receiver lines up pre-snap between the last man on the line of scrimmage (either a tight end or offensive tackle) and the outside receiver. They are an important part of a team’s offense and are becoming more prevalent in the professional game.
Speed: A slot receiver’s speed allows them to catch the ball on go routes or run with it when they have a good blocker. This makes them a threat to stretch the defense vertically.
Hands: A slot receiver’s hands need to be reliable, especially when receiving a lot of targets. They also need to be able to absorb a lot of contact from defensive players.
Route Running: A slot receiver must be able to run precise routes. This is because they typically line up a little bit off the line of scrimmage, making them a little shorter and more agile than a traditional outside receiver.
Carrying the Ball: A slot receiver may carry the ball from time to time, especially on pitch plays, reverses, and end-arounds. This is because they have good speed and can often outrun the defense.