Coaching can affect athletes' performance and psychological well-being through the communication and feedback that the coaches provide. Both internal and external factors affect the communication process and the effectiveness of the feedback.

Objective: The objective of the study was to increase the knowledge associated with feedback during 1 minute breaks in direct elimination matches at fencing competitions. This, by gaining insight into how fencing coaches experience the feedback they give to their fencers. In addition, the purpose is to generate knowledge of factors in the communication process that affect feedback.

Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Method: Three fencing coaches, with at least one epée fencer at top 8 on the national ranking list for senior men/women, were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Questions about their communication and feedback in different scenarios, different situations, and factors were asked.

Results: The coaches purpose of the feedback was to get the fencers into their individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF). The coaches focused mostly on the psychological aspect and tactical feedback, with less focus on technique. The relationship between the coaches and fencers was percieved as one of the crucial factors for effective communication and feedback.

Conclusions: As athletes are influenced by coaches' communication and feedback, it is important to understand what is sent and why, and also what the coaches percieve the fencers receive and the following experienced response. By gaining in-depth understanding of factors that affect, the coaches can make more active choices that lead to more effective communication and feedback, and thereby better performance.