How to Become a Slot Receiver in the NFL
Slot receivers are a special kind of wideout that specialize in stretching the defense vertically. These players can run a variety of different routes, and they usually have excellent speed and hands to absorb contact. They can also run outside the numbers, which makes them a valuable addition to any team’s receiving corps.
They can be found in every NFL team, but the most successful ones have several players that thrive in this position. Some of the top players in this category include Tyreek Hill, Cole Beasley, and Keenan Allen.
These players can stretch the field, running slants and quick outs, while they are a threat to any secondary. This gives the offense a weapon that they can use often throughout the game to move the ball down the field and score touchdowns.
Their speed allows them to be able to break past the safety, especially when they are in the go route. They can also catch the ball at a high rate and get away from the defenders who are trying to block them in the open field.
The best way to become a good slot receiver is to practice and be comfortable with the skills needed for the position. This can be done through individual practice sessions or by watching video games of the position.
Practicing the skill is crucial because it can give you an idea of how to move and what routes to run in game. In addition, it will help you improve your chemistry with your quarterback.
A slot receiver can also be used as a ball carrier from time to time, especially on pitch plays, reverses, and end-arounds. This is because of their pre-snap motion and their speed.
They are called into this pre-snap motion by their quarterback, and the rest of the play is all about timing and accuracy. Once they are in this motion, the quarterback can easily hand them the ball or throw it to them in the direction of their movement.
This is a key advantage for slot receivers because it allows them to make catches from a variety of angles without having to deal with the crushing blocks that many offensive linemen can put up against a slot runner. It is also important to remember that a slot runner cannot block like a linebacker can, so they must be fast and strong enough to take on the tacklers who try to stop them.
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