Frenkie de Jong demonstrating the OG slide technique
MLB

Mastering the Midfield with OG Slides: A Guide by Frenkie de Jong

October 16, 2024 By Joshua

As a midfielder, controlling the tempo and dictating the flow of the game is paramount. It’s about making those incisive passes, the ones that unlock defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities. One technique I’ve honed over the years is the “OG slide,” and trust me, it can elevate your midfield mastery.

Frenkie de Jong demonstrating the OG slide techniqueFrenkie de Jong demonstrating the OG slide technique

What Exactly is an “OG Slide” in Football?

The “OG slide” isn’t some fancy new trick you’ll find in a coaching manual; it’s a term we use informally amongst ourselves. It’s all about that perfectly weighted, disguised pass that slides right through the opponent’s defensive line, finding a teammate in a dangerous attacking position. Think of it as threading the needle, but with the grace and precision expected of a world-class midfielder.

OG slide pass splitting the defenseOG slide pass splitting the defense

Why is the “OG Slide” so Effective?

The beauty of the OG slide lies in its subtlety and disguise. You see, defenders are always anticipating, always looking for those obvious through balls. But with the OG slide, it’s about delaying the pass, waiting for the perfect moment when a gap appears, and then, with a subtle slide of the foot, you release the ball into that space.

This element of surprise catches opponents off guard. By the time they realize what’s happening, your teammate is already on the run, ready to exploit the space you’ve created.

Mastering the “OG Slide”: Tips from the Pitch

Now, pulling off the OG slide consistently takes practice and a keen understanding of the game. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years:

  1. Vision is Key: Before even receiving the ball, scan the field, anticipate your teammate’s runs, and identify potential gaps in the opponent’s defense.
  2. Weight Your Pass: The key to the OG slide is the weight of the pass. It has to be perfectly weighted to reach your teammate without being intercepted.
  3. Disguise is Everything: Don’t telegraph your pass. Keep your body movement subtle, and your intentions hidden until the last moment.
  4. Timing is Crucial: Release the pass at the precise moment when your teammate is making their run and the gap in the defense is at its widest.

Frenkie de Jong honing his passing skills on the training groundFrenkie de Jong honing his passing skills on the training ground

OG Slide: More Than Just a Pass, It’s a Game Changer

Mastering the OG slide isn’t about adding a fancy move to your repertoire; it’s about understanding the nuances of midfield play, about dictating the game with your passing, and ultimately, about creating those moments of magic that can change the course of a match.