When you hear the word slot, you may think of a narrow opening in something. But the word actually relates to two different places in a rink.

The low slot is the area between the face-off circles in the offensive zone. This is the perfect spot to take a wrist shot with a clear view of the net.

The high slot is the area in the middle of the ice above the face-off circles. It is ideal for a better accuracy when shooting.

Slot receivers can also be used in a catch and run game. They can run slants or straight downfield. In addition, slot receivers can be lined up on either side of the offense. These players can be very effective.

Slot receivers are commonly used in place of tight ends or fullbacks. A slot receiver’s position can be confusing for defenders. To avoid confusion, a defense will need to switch formations when a slot receiver is on the field.

A slot receiver can also be used to block defenders. This can help prevent a quarterback from being sacked. Another important role of a slot receiver is to create mismatches downfield. For example, a player like Tyreek Hill can stretch defense vertically off of pure speed.

In the NFL, slot receivers are becoming more common. As a result, defenses may need to add a defensive back.

Slot receivers are an extremely effective player in the catch and run game. Unlike running backs and fullbacks, slot receivers can line up on either side of the offensive line.