Slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening, as in a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. It may also refer to a position in a group, series, or sequence. The term is commonly used in sports and other competitions, particularly to denote a place on the field or in the lineup. In football, it can refer to a receiver’s position in the formation or the spot on the field where a player is expected to catch the ball.
A slot receiver lines up closer to the middle of the field than other wide receivers and is able to run a variety of routes, including slants and outs. They must have excellent route running skills and be precise with their timing, as well as a strong understanding of how to read defenses. They must also be able to block effectively on running plays, especially when they aren’t the ball carrier.
The Slot receiver was first popularized by Al Davis, who became the Raiders’ head coach in 1963. Davis wanted to use the position to create matchups with linebackers and cornerbacks. He did this by lining up two wide receivers in the Slot area, with one on each side of the field. This opened up the outside of the defense for the rest of the team.