The slot is the area of the field where a wide receiver lines up, between the two outside wide receivers. This allows the offense to attack all levels of the defense, including the line of scrimmage and the secondary. The slot is a very important position and the best wide receivers have excellent timing and route running skills. They also have great awareness of the field and can anticipate which defenders are coming toward them. They must also be able to block well, which is a huge component of their success as an NFL player.
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A good slot receiver must be able to run just about any route thrown at them, but he must master a few specific ones in particular. He must be precise with his route running and timing, and he must have good chemistry with the quarterback, as well. The most successful slot receivers are usually very tough and fast, as they need to be able to absorb contact and blow past defenders. They also need to have an advanced ability to block, as they are often asked to do more of this than other wide receivers on the team.