Designing and implementing conditioned games in handball training

This chapter delves into the strategic design and implementation of conditioned games in handball training, emphasizing their role in enhancing both tactical proficiency and physical conditioning. Conditioned games are small-sided exercises played on limited court parts, with specific rules and player configurations that mirror the complexity and intensity of actual match scenarios. The chapter begins by outlining the physical and physiological demands of elite handball, establishing a foundation for understanding how these demands shape training objectives. It then explores the application of Newell’s constraints-led approach to modify game parameters such as player numbers, court dimensions, and playing rules, tailoring the games to target specific tactical and physical outcomes. The chapter also provides practical guidance on integrating conditioned games into various phases of training sessions, highlighting their adaptability and effectiveness in developing players’ decision-making, technical skills, and teamwork under pressure. Through empirical evidence and methodological insights, the chapter underscores the value of conditioned games as a versatile tool in the holistic development of handball athletes. © 2025 selection and editorial matter, Filipe Manuel Batista Clemente; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.