Understanding the influence of contextual factors on peak demands (PD) is essential to maximize performance in handball. The aims of the study were: (1) to quantify the PD in women's handball through the rolling average method in four different time windows (i.e., 30-s, 60-s, 180-s and the full-match duration); (2) to examine the influence of four contextual factors (i.e., playing positions, match halves, level of the opponent and match outcome) on the PD. Twenty-two female players from the Spanish 2nd Division were monitored across 13 official matches. Total distance covered (TDC), high-speed running (HSR), high-intensity accelerations (HIA) and high-intensity decelerations (HID) were collected using a local positioning system. Wings showed the highest PD, with higher TDC (+36–47%), HSR (+143–162%), HIA (+167–255%), and HID (+82–176%) than pivots in the 30-, 60-, and 180-s windows. All positions reached the peak values in the 30-s window. Comparing match halves, TDC decreased from the first to the second half by 16–18% in all time windows, while HSR increased by 40–116% in 30-, 60-, and 180-s windows. This information should be considered to design position-specific drills that replicate the most demanding passages of competition, guide microcycle periodization, and structure injury rehabilitation programs.
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