tussenspel

Tussenspel is a Dutch term used in sports to describe a match played between the main competition games, typically scheduled as a preparatory or practice contest. The purpose is to provide competitive action without affecting official standings, to test tactics, or to give players—particularly substitutes or younger squad members—additional game exposure. It is common in team sports such as football (soccer), handball, basketball, and korfball, and can occur during training camps, mid-season breaks, or pre-season periods.

Depending on the sport and context, tussenspel can resemble a standard match or be adapted with shortened halves, stop times, or modified rules. It may be played within the same club as a intra-squad game or between two different teams. The emphasis is on practice and evaluation rather than competition results.

Coaches use tussenspel to test new formations, player combinations, or set-piece routines, and to give reserve players a chance to prove themselves. It can help with conditioning, communication, and team cohesion but carries some risk of injury and may yield results that do not reflect official performance.

While the term is Dutch, equivalent concepts exist in other languages, such as practice matches or friendlies. The exact interpretation of tussenspel varies by sport, league rules, and club policy.