Slot Receiver

A narrow notch, groove or opening, as in a keyway in a lock or a slit for a coin in a machine. The coin slotted easily into the mechanism.

A position on an offensive football team that lines up in the middle of the field, slightly behind the wide receivers but ahead of the tight end and the outside linebackers. Slot receivers typically run shorter routes on the route tree, such as slants and quick outs. Because they are usually smaller and faster than traditional wide receivers, they can threaten defenses with their speed and elusiveness.

Like other wide receivers, slot players need to be able to catch the ball with both hands and have good footwork. They also need to be able to run all the routes on the route tree and have excellent timing with quarterbacks. Because they don’t block as often as other wide receivers, slot receivers also need to be able to break tackles and carry the ball upfield on pitch plays or on reverses and end-arounds.

Because they tend to be more specialized than other wide receivers, slot receivers are usually paid less than their counterparts. However, their importance to an offense is growing as more teams use multiple wide receivers and nickel backs. It’s a common sight on casino floors to see patrons jumping from one slot machine to another in the hopes of finding a “hot” or “cold” machine, but each individual spin has its own independent odds and payouts.