A football team isn’t complete without a slot receiver, and there are few positions in the game that have been as hot as this one in recent years. Typically shorter than traditional wide receivers, these players line up inside the defense’s secondary and are a threat to do virtually anything when the ball is snapped. The best ones have a unique combination of speed and skill that makes them impossible to defend.
Route Running
A good slot receiver knows just about every route in the book, and they must be able to run them quickly. They also need to be precise with their timing. It takes a lot of practice to get on the same page as the quarterback, but when it works, it can be a thing of beauty.
Blocking
Because they’re often the second receiver to be hit after the outside wide receiver on most running plays, slot receivers need to have advanced blocking skills. They’ll need to be able to chip defenders like nickelbacks and outside linebackers, and they’ll also need to be able to do a back-to-the-wall block on safeties or defensive ends.
Chemistry
The most successful slot receivers have excellent chemistry with the quarterback. They’ll need to be able work well with their teammates, and they’ll also need to be quick enough to catch passes from all over the field. They’ll need to know when to run a certain route, and they’ll also need to be aware of where the defense is at all times.
Toughness
Slot receivers are tougher than most people think. They’ll need to be tough enough to absorb contact in the middle of the field, but they also need to be fast enough to blow past defenders. They’ll need to be able run through double-teams and come away with the ball.
Slot receivers are a crucial part of any offense, and they’re becoming more and more important as teams begin to rely on them more and more. Some teams, like the Eagles and Chiefs, are using them on almost every play, and they’re making it difficult for other teams to stop them. Players like Tyreek Hill and Cole Beasley are proving that this position is as big of a factor as any in the NFL today.