Slot Receiver

slot

A narrow notch, groove, or opening, as a keyway in a piece of machinery or a slit for a coin in a vending machine. Also, a position in a group, series, or sequence, such as a time slot in a program or an appointment on a calendar.

Football [American]

A player that lines up across from a wide receiver on pitch plays, reverses, and end-arounds. Because they tend to be shorter and faster than traditional wide receivers, Slot receivers have become the focus of a growing number of passing attacks in recent years. They can act as big decoys for the defense, and can also help protect the quarterback by running precise routes with the ball in hand. They’re most commonly used in 3-1 receiver/back combinations, but are also often utilized on other types of offensive plays as well.