Practised and tried again covering empty space (9)
I believe the answer is:
rehearsed
'practised' is the definition.
('rehearse' can be a synonym of 'practise')
'tried again covering empty space' is the wordplay.
'tried again' becomes 'reheard' ('heard' can be a synonym for 'tried' so perhaps 'reheard' is OK for 'tried again').
'covering' indicates putting letters inside.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'space' with its middle taken out is 'se'.
'reheard' placed around 'se' is 'REHEARSED'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for rehearsed that I've seen before include "Practised for public performance" , "Front-rear axle distance" , "went over" , "Practiced (a play)" .)