Could you give us a brief introduction of yourself?

‍
I’m Zar Lasahido, born and raised in Amsterdam to Indonesian parents. I’ve lived in the Netherlands for 24 years, and now I’m following my passion as a padel player and coach in Indonesia. I represent Indonesia on the national team and have a background in tennis with over 15 years of coaching experience. Currently, I’m based in Bali, Jakarta, and Medan, working to promote padel across the country.

‍

How were you first introduced to padel?
A tennis friend I hadn’t seen in 10 years convinced me to try padel in Amsterdam. As a professional tennis player, I was curious, and once I tried it, I was hooked. The biggest difference from tennis is the use of walls, which adds a fun twist to the game.

‍

What motivated you to start teaching padel, and how would you describe your coaching style?
At first, I just wanted to play, but clubs kept offering me coaching positions. After obtaining my coaching license at the KNLTB (the Dutch Padel Federation), I continued studying and upgrading my knowledge because I really enjoy helping others grow. My coaching style focuses on strategy — understanding why you make certain shots. I also mentor other coaches, which is really rewarding.

‍

How is padel in Indonesia different, and did you have to adapt to those changes?
Padel here is different because of the climate. It’s humid, so the balls get wet, and you need to adapt your technique, especially with smashes. Many courts are semi-outdoor, so staying hydrated and adjusting to the heat is key.

‍

How do you structure your training to improve both your physical endurance and technical skills?
Since there aren’t many high-level coaches yet here, I push myself by playing intense games and exchanging feedback with other players. I also take every chance to train with skilled coaches during tournaments or networking events.

‍

How do you approach coaching children who are interested in padel?
Parents often ask me to coach their kids. While most interest comes from adults right now, I believe kids are the future of padel. Early involvement is crucial, and Indonesia could become a new hotspot for padel talent.

‍

Can you tell us more about your journey as a professional padel player?
I started in the Netherlands but focused more on coaching. Since moving to Asia, I’ve played in local and international tournaments. I’m excited for future competitions, but coaching remains close to my heart.

‍

What do you eat and drink to maintain your fitness, and what areas of your game are you focusing on improving?
I try to stick to a high-protein diet, but the food in Indonesia is irresistible. I cut back on rice and stay hydrated with electrolyte-rich drinks to handle the humid weather. I’m always working on improving both my technique and physical endurance.

‍

How do you prepare mentally and physically before a match?
I like to research my opponents and create a game plan with my partner. If I don’t know them, I focus on my strengths and adjust based on my partner’s skills. A solid warm-up and stretching are essential to perform at my best.

‍

How do you stay focused and motivated when things aren’t going well in a match?
When things aren’t going well, it’s important to stay calm and switch tactics. Communication with my partner is crucial, and we adjust our strategy if needed. Every challenge is a learning opportunity.

‍

Could you tell us more about the charity events you’ve been involved in?
I’ve helped a few charity events, especially for kids in Bali and Medan. I’m passionate about making padel accessible for everyone. I offer free clinics to local kids, helping them discover their talent and grow in the sport.

‍

What is the best advice you would give to players at different levels?
For beginners, get a proper trainer from the start. The first year is all about building consistency, and a trainer will set you on the right path.

Sometimes even the best players get stuck, and that’s when a trainer can really help you break through. They’ll introduce new skills and tactics to keep you progressing. My advice in general is, if you want to keep improving, working with a trainer will speed up that process. You’ll keep learning new techniques and sharpening your game.

‍