What it is

A slant is a quick route. The receiver takes two or three steps straight up the field, then cuts sharply toward the middle at about a 45-degree angle.

In a game

The quarterback throws almost as soon as the receiver turns, so the ball arrives before a linebacker can react. It is a staple of the West Coast offense and a favorite against man coverage, because a receiver who gets a step on his defender can shield the ball with his body.

More detail

Offenses call a quick slant when they expect a blitz, since the ball can leave the quarterback’s hand in about two seconds. The receiver must sell the first steps as a deeper route and then cut inside without slowing down. A slower version, thrown after a longer stem, is used against zone coverage to settle between defenders.

The route

The bright circle is the player running the route. The arrow shows his path. Scroll down to watch it as an animation.

Animated diagram

1. The receiver takes two or three steps straight up the field while the offensive line protects the quarterback.
2. He plants and cuts sharply toward the middle, and the quarterback has already started his throw.
3. The ball arrives before the linebackers can react, and the receiver is ahead of the cornerback who is trailing him.