also: split · nasty split · receiver split · nasty
How far a receiver aligns from the formation. A nasty split is a deliberately tight one, close enough to change the defense's leverage and its ability to get help.
A receiver's split is how far he aligns from the next player inside him. Coaches set it for the formation or play instead of letting each receiver choose his own spot.
A wider split stretches the defense and can isolate the receiver. A tighter split brings the defender inward and creates more room outside. The play determines which split helps.
receiver split, alignment splitnasty split, bunch and stackA nasty split puts the receiver close to the formation instead of out toward the sideline. That changes the defender's leverage and leaves more room outside.
The receiver is also closer to his run-game blocks and has less ground to cover on routes that break across the formation. Which advantage matters depends on the play.
nasty, tight splitslot, split