How does the current interpretation of the offside law affect pressing and how high or low the defensive line is set?

[mufon234]

About 10 years ago Jonathan Wilson speculated that due to the liberalisation of the offside law (in 2005)
high pressing might not be practical. But it seems that many teams at the top level press high, at least some of the time. I don't think this tactic was as prevalent before the law was changed (with the possible exception of Sacchi's AC Milan.)

Also, Tifo Football recently noted that offsides are way down, partly at least because teams are playing lower blocks. But is this true? Aren't low-blocks, mid-blocks and high-blocks really variable? 
Defensive lines will continually adjust, push and drop, according to the position of the ball at any given moment. 

How much does this actually stretch a defense? It seems the actual difference between the "old" and "new" offside laws is pretty minimal...maybe a couple of feet? I can see this having an effect closer to goal.

[zyfon5]

6 hours ago, mufon234 said:

Also, Tifo Football recently noted that offsides are way down, partly at least because teams are playing lower blocks. But is this true? Aren't low-blocks, mid-blocks and high-blocks really variable? 
Defensive lines will continually adjust, push and drop, according to the position of the ball at any given moment. 

Offsides statistics drop because strikers do not play at the last line of defenders anymore. Runs are now made from wide areas and strikers are now more involved in build up play than ever. It has very little to do with teams playing low blocks. Low blocks are not invented recently in the last 10 years. Low blocks, mid blocks and high blocks differs in what area of the pitch do you plan to win the ball back because as you have said defensive lines continually adjust according to the position of the ball.

 

6 hours ago, mufon234 said:

About 10 years ago Jonathan Wilson speculated that due to the liberalisation of the offside law (in 2005)
high pressing might not be practical. But it seems that many teams at the top level press high, at least some of the time. I don't think this tactic was as prevalent before the law was changed (with the possible exception of Sacchi's AC Milan.)

One reason that was speculated is players at that time were not as fit as players nowadays hence not many teams can deploy these type of tactics even though they clearly saw the potential benefits of high pressing as a form of defence.