Perhaps some tests, etc, especially for handling strain (7)
I believe the answer is:
cricket
'perhaps some tests' is the definition.
(as in test cricket)
'etc especially for handling strain' is the wordplay.
'especially' indicates anagramming the letters.
'for handling' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters are held or handled).
'strain' becomes 'rick' (I've seen this before).
'etc' anagrammed gives 'cet'.
'cet' going around 'rick' is 'CRICKET'.
(Other definitions for cricket that I've seen before include "Six-footer" , "a jumper" , "English game or chirping insect" , "Summer sport" , "Game - "basically baseball on Valium" (Robin Williams)" .)