The paper presents a new algorithm for a variable structure model following controller (VSMFC) design for discrete time systems using a fast output sampling technique. The reaching law approach is used to guarantee the sliding mode motion. This methodology is easy to implement since the method is based on output feedback. It is shown that the proposed fast output sampling variable structure model following controller (FOS VSMFC) gives the same results as obtained by state feedback VSMFC. To demonstrate the design technique a VSMFC is designed for the tip position control of a single flexible link. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.