Differences in game-based performance by playing position in young elite male team handball players

As expected, pivots were the heaviest due to facing the most physical contact with defenders during matches. Wings were the fastest on the court and jumped the highest, while backs demonstrated the highest throwing velocities, as they frequently perform long-distance throws during games. However, the high levels of peak oxygen uptake for wings and backs (around 70 ml/kg/min) and pivots (around 60 ml/kg/min), along with no significant differences in defense time between positions, highlight the importance of both aerobic and anaerobic performance for all players to maintain an active and dynamic performance throughout the entire match.