A slot is a narrow notch, groove, or opening. It can be used as a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit to hold a coin in a vending machine.

Slot receivers are a special type of wide receiver that typically lines up between the tight end and offensive tackle in a three-receiver set. They are often called on to play more than they were in the past because offenses are using a lot of 3-1 receiver/back alignments and are running more reliance on nickel and dime packages.

Speed and Hands are crucial to being a slot receiver, as they need to be able to go past the secondary and run certain routes. They also need to be able to catch the ball at a high rate in order to stay in the open field and make plays.

Reliability is another important aspect of being a slot receiver. They need to be able to be trusted to catch the ball and run it back to the quarterback without getting hit.

Chemistry with the QB is also a huge factor in being successful at this position. When a slot receiver is on the same page as the QB, they can be more effective and make plays for their team.

A slot receiver can also run different routes than most other wideouts, which helps them get a wider variety of targets and make more plays for their team. This is especially true when they are working with a quarterback who knows what they can and cannot do at their level of play.