Positional differences in match performance for key elite male team handball players at the EHF EURO 2022

This study examined position-specific physical and technical demands in elite men’s team handball during the EHF EURO 2022, focusing on players with greatest on-court time to enhance ecological validity. Tracking data from 780 match observations (six outfield players with the highest playing time, per team, per match, in 65 matches) were analysed using a local positioning system (Kinexon LPS). Positional differences were identified across locomotor, acceleration, jumps, impacts, and technical metrics. Wings played the most minutes (~44 min), covered the greatest total distance (LW: 3620 ± 107 m; RW: 3639± 108 m), and achieved the highest values in running, high-speed running, and sprinting. Backcourt players recorded the most changes of direction (0.3–0.4/min), jumps (0.46–0.50/min), and ball-related actions. Centre backs covered the most distance per minute (88.9 ± 1.1 m/min), reached the highest acceleration load (10.57 ± 0.15 AU/min), and made the most passes (4.08 ± 0.14/min), underpinning their central role in both offence and defence. Pivots showed the lowest movement demands (75.6 ± 1.0 m/min), but the highest ball recoveries (0.19 ± 0.01/min), and high number of impacts (0.35 ± 0.02/min), reflecting frequent involvement in physical duels. These findings highlight differentiated positional profiles based on players with the highest playing time, providing detailed benchmarks for tailoring position-specific conditioning, tactical preparation, and individualised load management in elite team handball.