Niels van Baasbank · HPA Level 2 Coach · Desert Palm Polo Club · Dubai

Master the
Art of Polo

Private and group coaching for all levels — from complete beginners to competitive tournament players. 30 years of international experience, based at Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai.

30+Years Experience
200+Students Trained
+3Highest Handicap
Niels van Baasbank on horseback
+3 Highest Handicap

30 Years of Polo.
One Passion.

Niels van Baasbank is a Dutch polo professional with over 30 years of international coaching and club management experience, including 20 years based in Dubai. Currently Head Coach at Desert Palm Polo Club, he brings a rare combination of playing excellence and coaching expertise.

His career spans founding the first polo academy in the Netherlands, managing Emaar's flagship Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, and coaching hundreds of students from complete beginners to competitive players.

"Polo is not just a sport — it is a conversation between horse and rider, strategy and instinct, discipline and freedom."

HPA Level 2 Coach (2024)
HPA Overseas Polo Coach — renewed annually
Playing Handicap +1 (career high +3)
Former Polo Manager, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club (Emaar)
Founder, The Polo Company — The Hague, Netherlands
First Aid Responder (2021 & 2024)

Programs

Coaching for Every Level

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Beginner Foundations

Learn proper grip, stance, and horse control in a safe, guided environment. Niels makes polo feel accessible and exciting from your very first session.

From 0 Handicap →
🏑

Stick & Ball Clinics

Intensive sessions focused on mallet technique, swing mechanics, and positional play. Structured feedback that creates measurable improvement every session.

All Levels →
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Tournament Preparation

Strategic team coaching, match analysis, and mental preparation to get you and your team performing at peak competition level.

Competitive Players →
👤

Private 1-on-1 with Niels

Fully personalised sessions tailored to your specific weaknesses, goals, and schedule. The fastest and most effective path to improvement.

Most Popular →
👥

Team Training

Build chemistry, communication, and coordinated strategy across your team. Available for clubs, private groups, and corporate events.

Groups of 4–8 →
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Corporate & Social Polo

A unique, unforgettable experience for corporate groups and social events. Niels creates a professional, fun, and safe introduction to the sport of kings.

Groups Welcome →

Testimonials

What Students Say About Niels

★★★★★

"Coaching with Niels has absolutely changed my polo. He enabled me to get better with different kinds of horses, my forehand completely changed to one which is more relaxed with better technique. I'm more mindful and able to analyse my own mistakes better."

MU

Muzzammil

Student, Desert Palm Polo Club

★★★★★

"I had the pleasure of taking private lessons with Niels twice a week for more than 2 years. He helped me progress from beginner to a confident player. Amongst my best memories from the UAE."

TB

Thierry B.

Private Student, Dubai

★★★★★

"Niels has a no-nonsense approach to coaching. Great knowledge of strategy and horses — you come away not only with a good understanding of polo strategy but more importantly, how to be a great horseman."

SE

Sarah El Abdli

Student, Dubai

★★★★★

"I started polo with Niels and instantly fell in love with the sport. His energy, patience, and passion make every lesson something to look forward to. Truly the best coach to start polo with or take your game to another level."

KA

Khalifa A.

Student, Dubai

★★★★★

"Niels has a unique ability to understand his students and tailor each session to what works best for the individual. This approach built my confidence incredibly quickly. I genuinely look forward to every session."

AM

Amina

Student, Desert Palm Polo Club

★★★★★

"I call Niels the fixer! He fixes techniques I have been practising wrong for years. He tackles every move until correct and it's great to see sudden improvement. He builds it up around a storyline which is easy to remember!"

ZS

Zsuzsa

Student, Dubai

★★★★★

"Training with Niels has been a game changer. He's a no-nonsense coach who genuinely knows how to teach. He adapts constantly, finding different ways to explain technique until it truly clicks. An excellent coach for anyone serious about progressing."

LT

Laura T.

Student, Dubai

★★★★★

"I met Niels at the very beginning of my polo journey and he gave me the foundation I still build on today. Every time I'm back in Dubai, I return to train with him because I trust his approach and professionalism completely."

RE

Renata

Student, Dubai

Get in Touch

Book a Session with Niels

Ready to take your polo to the next level? Fill in the form and Niels will get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your goals and find the right program for you.

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Desert Palm Polo Club, Dubai, UAE
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+971 50 189 6869
✉️
niels@nielspolo.com
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nielspolo.com
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Sessions available 7 days · 6am – 7pm