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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘X’ / X Receiver

X Receiver

x re*ceiv*er

What Is The Definition Of X Receiver In Football?What Is The X Receiver In Football? Definition & Meaning | SportsLingo

The X receiver in football is typically the receiver who lines up on the outside of the formation, to the weak side of the formation, opposite the side of the field the tight end is positioned. The X receiver is usually the fastest receiver on the team and is likely to draw the best cornerback coverage.

What Is The Origin Of The X Receiver In Football?

As football offenses have become more complex and dynamic, coaches started to classify their receivers differently. Instead of referring to them as wide receivers, slot receivers, or wideouts, they started to label them as X, Y, and Z receivers.

  • X receiver: the fastest receiver who is positioned opposite the tight-end and Z receiver.
  • Y receiver: the tight-end.
  • Z receiver: the flanker who lines up opposite the X receiver and is grouped on the same side as the tight end. Typically, the Z receiver sets back off the line of scrimmage.

What Is The Primary Role And Job Of The X Receiver?

The X receiver is the fastest of the bunch and is a split end, meaning they are positioned farthest from the center and affixed to the line of scrimmage. Because the X receiver cannot go into motion, he must leverage the speed and route-running agility to break free from a cornerback intent on jamming him at the line. That burst of quickness allows the quarterback to find the X receiver breaking away from press coverage for explosive, big-yardage plays.

What Are Examples Of The Best X Receivers To Play Football?

Some of the best X receivers to play football include Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, and Calvin Johnson. Not surprisingly, these were some of the most dynamic, speedy playmakers the game has seen.

Examples Of How X Receiver Is Used In Commentary

1. Breaking down the Raiders game, we can see how the offense has best used Davante Adams. In this play, we see how Josh McDaniels has positioned Adams as the X receiver at the top of the screen, where he can use his burst of speed to break off the line and gain the space needed for Derek Carr to find him in stride for the huge gain.

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Football

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