In hockey, the slot refers to a rectangular area toward the blue line. It is also the fourth position on a flying display. Slot is a word that is related to the Latin verb *sleutana and is cognate with the German Schloss. It is used in field hockey and ice hockey.
Slot receivers are smaller, quicker, and more nimble
Slot receivers are more nimble, smaller, and faster than wide receivers, which allows them to run quicker routes and create mismatches against linebackers. They are drafted as wide receivers, but have a unique skill set that makes them effective in a variety of situations.
The position is gaining prominence in the NFL, as players like Branden Cooks and Tyreek Hill can stretch the defense vertically on pure speed. Slot receivers are also effective in the catch and run game, since they can run shorter routes on the route tree, such as slants or quick outs.
A slot receiver can line up on either side of the field. A team can have as many as three slot receivers on the field. When multiple slot receivers line up on a field, they are referred to as an “Inside Slot” receiver. They may also be called an “Outside Slot” receiver. Another position for a slot receiver is a slot cornerback. A nickel is a package of extra defensive backs on a team.
They are lined up inside of a boundary cornerback
The slot cornerback’s main role is to line up inside of a boundary cornerback. This is a traditional cornerback position, and it is one that is increasingly used in NFL passing schemes. These corners are often unable to get help on contested throws in the flat, so they are often a lonely position.
The slot is a very valuable piece of defense. They are usually lined up inside of a boundary cornerback and are not targeted by a blitz. Their positioning causes them to have a difficult time defending wide receivers because they can’t use the sideline as leverage. Consequently, they must play inside and outside releases in order to cover a wider area.
While a boundary cornerback is typically lined up several yards deep and is covered by three defensive backs, the slot is left vulnerable early in each play. A free safety drops back into the deep zone and the strong safety moves forward to assist with handoffs. Another common coverage shell is the cover three, which asks the best coverage player to drop into deep coverage and a run support player to move forward.
They are lining up inside of a boundary cornerback
Slot cornerbacks used to be backup sub-package players who came into play on obvious passing situations. They match up with the faster pass catchers downfield, and are becoming a distinct position with distinct characteristics. The most common type of slot cornerback plays the opposite side of the field to the boundary cornerback.
The slot defender lines up several yards inside the boundary cornerback and has his back to the LOS. His job is to cover a WR breaking outside, and a RB breaking to the boundary. This type of coverage is also referred to as a “cover three.”
The slot cornerback shadows the receiver, which is an important skill for an NFL corner. The trail technique allows him to stay in the receiver’s hip pocket. It’s liberating for the corner, as he doesn’t have to rely on safety help over the top. Meanwhile, the boundary cornerback operates out of a backpedal.