Slot Receivers in the NFL
A slot is a narrow opening in a machine or container that allows for a certain type of object to be inserted. A slot in a schedule or program can be used to mark an event that will happen at a specific time.
In football, a team isn’t complete without a wide receiver that lines up in the slot. The slot receiver is normally a little shorter and stockier than his outside counterparts, and has to be more quick and agile due to his position. The more versatile a slot receiver is, the better off his team will be. In fact, some slot receivers will even see more playing time than their No. 1 or No. 2 receivers, making them a vital part of any offense.
The Slot receiver is responsible for lining up in the area between the wideout and tight end, but he can also run routes to the inside or outside. As a result, slot receivers need to have excellent route running skills, especially when compared to wide receivers who line up further out on the field. Slot receivers are also a huge part of any running game, as they typically block for the backfield and often play a big role in sealing off defensive backs and safeties on running plays.
Slot receivers usually have to be much faster and more agile than their outside counterparts in order to keep up with the ball carrier. They also have to be great blockers, since they often line up directly in front of the defense’s best tacklers. This can be a real challenge for some players, since it requires the use of precise footwork and evasion to avoid getting tackled.
The slot is a unique position in the NFL, because it is a rare skill set that is needed for many different types of offensive playbooks. In addition to being quick and agile, the slot receiver needs to be able to catch passes from different positions, as well as make adjustments in the air. Lastly, he must be a great run blocker as well, as he will often be lined up next to the tight end or one of the running backs on many running plays.
While slot players may not be able to reach the same debilitating levels of gambling addiction as those who play table games or card games, they do seem to progress into problem gambling much faster. In a study that was featured on 60 Minutes in 2011, psychologists Robert Breen and Marc Zimmerman found that people who play video slot machines reach a debilitating level of involvement with gambling three times as quickly as those who play traditional casino games. The researchers believe that this is partly because of the impulsivity and short-term rewards associated with these games. They also noted that these traits are more pronounced in people who have a family history of gambling problems.
