A slot is a narrow opening in something, such as a keyway in a lock, or a slit for coins in a machine. It can also refer to a position in a group, series, or sequence. For example, a slot in the schedule is where an activity takes place.

In football, a slot is the area between the outside wide receiver and the tight end. This position requires a unique skill set and demands a lot of attention from the quarterback. The most successful slot receivers are often able to run just about any route on the field, and they have excellent hands and chemistry with their quarterback. They must be able to block, as well, and fill in for a missing running back or extra tight end at times.

The slot is an important part of any offense, and teams focus heavily on speed and agility when drafting and signing these players. They tend to be smaller than other wide receivers, but they must be quick to break tackles and evade defenders. They also must be good at reading coverage, and have a high concentration level to keep up with the quarterback’s fast pace.

Slot is a specialized role, and only the best players can excel at it. The NFL has many examples of great slot receivers, including Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Cooper Kupp, and others. The most successful slot receivers are usually able to read defenses, and have a good understanding of coverage. They are also able to make adjustments during the game, and they have excellent hand-eye coordination.

In addition to their passing skills, a slot receiver must be able to run multiple routes, and they must have precise timing and a good feel for the ball. They must be able to make a lot of complex moves with ease, and they need to have a good sense of balance to avoid being knocked off-balance when making difficult catches. They also need to have reliable hands, and they should be able to catch the ball with both hands.

Another important aspect of a slot receiver’s game is their ability to get open quickly and make tough catches. They must be able to run short and intermediate routes, as well as deep patterns. They must be able to catch the ball in traffic and have the versatility to act as a running back on some plays, such as reverses and end-arounds.

In aviation, a slot is an allocated time and place for an aircraft to take off or land at an airport, depending on the air traffic control system in use. The slots are used when the airport is constrained by runway capacity or other factors, and they can be valuable assets for airlines. For instance, if an airline is allocated a slot at Heathrow, it can greatly reduce its waiting time for its next flight.