A slot receiver is a wide receiver who lines up a few steps off the line of scrimmage, sometimes referred to as “slotbacks.” They’re usually shorter and smaller than outside wide receivers. This gives them more opportunities to do things on the field that outside receivers can’t, but they also have to be able to block well.
Slot Receiver Skills and Game Plan
The biggest thing a Slot receiver needs to have is speed and good hands. He should have the ability to run precise routes, as well as to be accurate with his timing and chemistry.
He should also have the ability to read the defense and be able to react quickly. This is especially important for running plays, where he has to move quickly in order to avoid getting hit.
Those skills are especially important when he’s not the ball carrier, as he may be asked to block. This includes blocking nickelbacks, safeties, and other defensive ends. It also means that he needs to be able to perform a crack back block on the offensive end, as well as a high snap – a technique that can help seal off the outside part of the defense on running plays.
Route Running
The Slot receiver needs to be able to run almost any route on the field. They need to be able to run to the inside, outside, deep, and short. Their speed will also allow them to break a lot of tackles.
They need to be able to use their speed to outrun the defense and get open for catches, and they should have the ability to adjust their route when they’re being blocked. This is especially important on running plays designed to the outside part of the field, where they need to be able to run up and get open.
Slot Receiver Blocking and Grabbing
As with any wide receiver, a slot receiver needs to be able to block well. They should be able to do this by using their hands, feet, and body to make a big block. They should also be able to pick up the ball and keep it in the air when they’re not being blocked, so that they can catch it for a big gain.
Their catching and running are also very important, and they need to have the speed and agility to catch the ball in traffic or on a route. They should be able to run down the sideline, and they should be able to jump up and grab the ball in the air.
A slot receiver also needs to be able to elude and escape tackles. They need to be quick and agile, and they can have large hands in order to do this.
They need to have good chemistry with the quarterback, too. They need to know what the QB wants them to do, and they need to be able to communicate that with the rest of the team.