As a slot receiver, you must have good hands and speed. You should also be elusive and have the ability to master every passing route in the book. Being able to block outside linebackers and safeties is crucial, too. The Slot receiver can be a great handoff target, too. And, if the quarterback wants to run a certain route, he can use you as a big decoy.
Slot receivers need to have good hands and speed
A Slot receiver must be able to make evasive moves and be very quick. They must have excellent awareness of the field and be able to find open spaces, as well as have precise timing with the quarterback. They must also be able to catch the ball, despite being smaller than other wide receivers.
The slot is an excellent position for smaller receivers, and they can also excel in offenses with 11 personnel. Slot receivers usually have good hands and are shifty. They also have good athleticism and are able to battle through contact downfield. James Proche, who played for SMU, was a perfect example of a slot receiver. He caught 204 passes with an average of 11 yards per catch, and he displayed good hands.
They need to be elusive
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They need to master every passing route possible
To be effective in the slot position, receivers must learn how to read defenses and understand coverage schemes. They should be able to read a coverage shell and attack the linebacker’s inside leverage. In addition, receivers need to learn the responsibilities of linebackers and safetymen to be effective.
Slot receivers must have good hands and excellent speed. Because of their smaller size, Slot receivers must be extra fast and have top-notch route-running skills. They also need to be able to block on running plays.
They need to block nickelbacks, outside linebackers and safeties
The nickelback is a versatile defender. He’s best known for playing underneath coverage and perimeter defense, but he can also play a part in stopping the run. To be effective, he must be able to play the edge on runs coming toward him and fill cutback lanes on runs going away from him. He may also be asked to take a lead block from a fullback, tight end or pulling lineman.
The modern NFL has created specialized roles for these players. For example, a slot receiver might be Wes Welker, who has a skill set that lends itself to lining up in the slot. Meanwhile, a nickelback should line up near the line of scrimmage near the slot receiver.