In the context of air traffic coordination, a slot is an authorization to take off or land at an airport on a specific day during a specified time period. Slots are used worldwide to manage the flow of aircraft at busy airports, preventing repeated delays from too many flights trying to take off or land simultaneously.
In football, a slot receiver is the second wide receiver, located on the inside of the defense’s secondary. They are responsible for running routes that complement the other wide receivers and must be able to break tackles from defensive backs or linebackers. In addition, they are often called upon to act as a ball carrier on run plays such as slants and sweeps. Because they are so close to the line of scrimmage, they are also vulnerable to big hits from defensive end players.
Slot receivers are usually smaller and stockier than other wide receivers, but they must be fast enough to get open against defenders. They also have to be precise with their route running and have great hands. The best slot receivers are also able to block and catch the ball well, making them important contributors on kickoff return teams as well.