No, not a set plan, Villan, but very much a part of Nistelroys' game, as we've seen in the Premiership. Everytime Man.Utd have a free kick close to the opposition goal, Nistelroy can be found in an off-side position, there purely to unsettle the defence, although technically "passive", untill he steps back up to the defensive line or untill he becomes part of the "secondary" action, for which he is on-side.
We can't blame the players for exploiting a weakness in the ruling but there is so much opportunity for "interpretation" from Referees and Assistants that I believe it needs urgent attention.
All a striker needs to do is stand around the penalty area untill play comes his way. As long as he lets his team-mate with possesion get level with his position he is magically transformed from "passive" to "active" and quite within the rules.
I'd rather the off-side rule was completely scrapped than this non-sense.
C-flat.