One of the most effective ways to level up your padel game is learning to handle corner shots. With a PadelShooter ball machine, you can train this completely on your own. This drill is perfect for beginners who want to build consistency returning balls from the back corners.
What You Need
- A PadelShooter ball machine (any model)
- A full padel court
- A bucket of balls
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1 – Position the machine in the opposite corner
Place your PadelShooter in the diagonally opposite corner from where you want to practice. For example, if you want to train returning balls in your back-right corner, place the machine in the front-left corner.
Step 2 – Aim toward your training corner
Point the machine toward your target corner, between glass 2 and glass 3. To find the right angle, run a few test shots with Left + Right buttons selected and Width = 50 (center). Adjust the machine position until the balls land consistently around your corner.
Step 3 – Set horizontal movement training
Switch to Horizontal Movement Training mode and use these starting settings:
- Speed: 30
- Height: 35
- Width: 30 (controls how wide the variation around the corner is – go smaller for tighter drills, wider for more challenge)
Step 4 – Start the drill
Press Play to begin. The machine will feed balls with horizontal variation into your corner area.
Adjusting on the Fly
If some balls land too short or too deep, tweak Speed or Height slightly until the feed feels right. You can also adjust the frequency (balls per minute) up or down to match your current fitness and skill level.
Beginner Tips
- Start with a lower frequency – focus on footwork and clean contact, not speed
- Try to recover to the center of the baseline after every shot
- Once comfortable, reduce Width to tighten the drill and challenge your positioning
- Train both corners equally – switch the machine to the opposite side after 10-15 minutes
Corner training with the PadelShooter lets you get hundreds of quality repetitions in a single session, something impossible to replicate with a training partner. Consistency in the corners is what separates beginners from intermediate players.