The slot receiver is a vital position on any NFL team. They help quarterbacks extend the field and attack all three levels of the defense. They also provide an extra blocker when running the ball outside. Without a quality slot receiver, offenses would be hard-pressed to stretch the field and score touchdowns. In this article, we will take a closer look at the role of the slot receiver and what makes them successful.
Route Running
The ability to run every type of route is an absolute must for a slot receiver. They need to be precise with their timing and have good chemistry with the quarterback. Without a fullback or additional tight end to block for them, they must be able to hold up against double teams and still get open for the catch.
They aren’t as big as a typical wide receiver and can be compared more to a running back. They typically have shorter frames and are stockier with tougher, thicker muscles. Because of their size and style, they need to have great balance and quick feet in order to get open quickly on patterns and avoid getting hit by defenders.
Blocking
The primary role of a slot receiver is to be an effective blocker. They are expected to run the full route tree and can be considered a second lead blocker after the fullback or tight end. In addition, they are often asked to block blitzes and contain defenders in the middle of the field. It’s a demanding position, but one that can be very rewarding if executed correctly.
Slot Candle (aka Tower Light)
The tower light or slot candle on a slot machine is a small, colored light at the top of the machine that indicates the minimum denomination that can be played on that machine. The lights can be either red or green and will turn on when the player presses the service button to request assistance from a slot attendant. It’s important to know the variance of a slot before playing, because this will help you decide how much to bet and when to walk away. Depending on the variance, slots can have high or low payouts. A low variance slot will pay out more frequently but with smaller amounts, while a high volatility slot will have less frequent wins but higher jackpots.
