A slot receiver is often the fastest player on a team. Their speed helps them stretch the defense vertically, and they can also be a decoy for future plays. The key to success as a slot receiver is to have good hands and fast feet. You can improve your team’s performance and productivity by implementing slot-based scheduling.
Slot receivers are the fastest wide receivers on the team
In the early 2000s, the slot receiver position was dominated by smaller receivers, such as Wes Welker. As a 5-foot-9, 185-pound slot player, Welker set the standard for the role. His quickness and agility helped him survive as an undersized player. However, in recent years, the league has begun to see the decline of Welker-clones.
As a result, the NFL has increasingly emphasized the slot receiver. The Patriots and Dolphins have both employed slot receivers. In 2007, teams used 11 receivers on only 34 percent of their snaps; by 2013, that number was up to 51 percent. Welker’s performance influenced other teams to use the position.
They can stretch the defense vertically off pure speed
Slot receivers are versatile weapons that give the offense a lot of flexibility in the passing game. They are effective at attacking a defense vertically with their speed and agility, running routes at multiple levels. They can run basic deep option routes, slants, and even quick outs.
Slot receivers can stretch the defense vertically off pure-speed by working to the middle of the field. This defender will align closer to the slot receiver’s head, making it difficult to release outside. The goal is to create leverage and manipulate the defender’s weakness areas. Once you understand your defender’s strength and weaknesses, you can attack from multiple angles and plan based on how he reacts to the routes.
They can act as a decoy for future plays
A Slot receiver is a versatile player who is an ideal handoff or pitch target for the quarterback. This type of receiver has a head of steam before the ball is even in his hands, allowing him to avoid even the most elite tacklers. This can be a great advantage for the quarterback because the Slot receiver will be able to act as a decoy for future plays.
They need good hands and speed
The Slot Receiver is a crucial cog in an offense. The slot receiver runs every route possible, so he or she must be nimble and accurate with timing. In addition, Slot Receivers must also have a good chemistry with the quarterback and have advanced blocking skills. Slot receivers often fill the role of the extra tight end in a team’s offense.
Slot receivers typically catch short passes and run slants. They also need a good amount of speed. The speed required to run these routes is much higher than that required by outside wide receivers.
They need to be aware of the field
The slot field is not always a safe haven, and slot receivers need to be aware of the coverage shell. Specifically, they need to know the responsibilities of the safety and linebacker on the field. They also need to be aware of the nuances of the alignment of the outside linebacker. The outside linebacker will line up inside of the slot receiver to block him from running inside. As a result, the slot receiver must attack the linebacker’s inside leverage.