Strip Coaching

Strip coaching is when a coach provides guidance, tactical feedback, and mental support to a fencer during a competition. This happens right next to the fencing strip, the platform or floor area where bouts take place. Having your coach by your side at a tournament can make a meaningful difference. From offering encouragement and tactical advice to helping you adjust your strategy between bouts, strip-side coaching provides valuable support when it matters most.

Private lessons help build a strong coach-athlete relationship, and having that same coach in your corner at a tournament is a natural extension of your training.

At sanctioned competitions, coaching fees typically cover the coach's time, expertise, and travel. At Go Fence Academy we offer a simple “all-in-one” cost billed monthly or annually that includes all Regionals and Summer Nationals. It may also cover select NAC’s*, Junior Olympics*, and select Locals*.

*Depends on scheduling, Possible Small Extra Fee, Coach’s Discretion.

Go Fence Academy VS. Traditional Models

Go Fence Academy

At Go Fence Academy, we make strip coaching more accessible for just $50 per month! What’s included:

  • All Regional Competitions Strip Coaching

  • Summer National Championship Strip Coaching

  • Select Local, Super Regional, North American Cups, and Junior Olympic Competitions could be added as well for a nominal fee.

All for a very predictable annual cost of just $600!

VS

Traditional Model

Give you a credit card authorization form and you find what it cost after. Charging up to $100 per event, with most fencers competing in multiple events per competition, not including the coach’s expense, travel cost, food cost, per diem, etc..

  • Unpredictable cost with no cap

  • No guarantee your fencer will receive any minimum amount of attention.

  • Every Competition costing a different amount

Averaging $400-$600 for each large event, Costing well into the multiple $1,000’s annually!

At Go Fence Academy, we believe fencers deserve support both on and off the strip. That's why our affordable $50 monthly tournament-coaching program covers all coaching costs and expenses at Regional tournaments and Summer Nationals, with the possibility of additional events throughout the season.

What can you expect with Strip Coaching?

A coach provides much more than technical advice during a competition. They help fencers prepare, make adjustments, stay focused, and handle the emotional ups and downs of tournament day.

Tournament coaching may include:

  • Pre-competition preparation: Leading a warm-up lesson or other activities to help the fencer feel physically and mentally ready.

  • Opponent insights: Sharing information about opponents in the opening pool rounds, when available, based on previous encounters or observations of their fencing.

  • Pool-round guidance: Offering reassurance and advice about tactical choices, timing, and pace while helping the fencer recognize and correct significant mistakes.

  • Direct elimination strategy: Helping the fencer develop a plan for each opponent based on observed tendencies, strengths, weaknesses, or previous matchups.

  • Between-round adjustments: Using the one-minute break between direct elimination periods to clarify strategy, redirect tactical choices, and reinforce key instructions.

  • Mental and emotional support: Helping fencers stay confident and composed, especially when they're struggling to put their skills into action under pressure.

  • Post-bout feedback: Offering encouragement, perspective, and constructive feedback after a loss or elimination, helping the fencer learn from the experience and move forward.

Having a coach in your corner means having someone who understands your game, believes in your potential, and helps you navigate every stage of competition.