Learning how to make excellent throws in Pokémon Go is one of the most satisfying skills for players who want better catch rates, more experience points, and increased chances of earning special rewards. At first, hitting the small inner target circle can feel tricky and inconsistent, especially when Pokémon move or attack unexpectedly. With patience and the right throwing techniques, anyone can master excellent throws and turn them into a consistent habit rather than a rare achievement. Understanding timing, distance control, circle size, and throwing angles will help you improve accuracy and capture Pokémon more efficiently in everyday gameplay.
Understanding What an Excellent Throw Really Means
Before learning techniques, it is important to understand what defines an excellent throw in Pokémon Go. When you hold the Poké Ball, you will notice two circles on the screen a large fading circle and a smaller colored shrinking circle. The goal is to release the ball so that it lands inside the smallest possible circle at the moment of impact. An excellent throw occurs when the Pokémon is hit while this small colored circle is at its smallest range, right near the Pokémon’s face or body.
This type of throw does not just look impressive; it significantly increases the chance of catching the Pokémon. Combined with items like Razz Berries or high-quality Poké Balls, excellent throws make capturing rare or high-level Pokémon much easier and more reliable.
Getting Familiar with the Target Circle
One of the key elements in learning how to make excellent throws in Pokémon Go is mastering the circle locking method. Many players throw repeatedly without realizing that the shrinking circle can be manipulated.
How to Control the Catch Circle
- Hold your finger on the Poké Ball and watch the colored circle shrink.
- Release your finger to stop the shrinking circle at the size you want.
- The circle will remain frozen at that size until you throw the ball.
- Wait for the Pokémon to finish jumping or attacking before throwing.
This method allows you to aim consistently instead of reacting in panic while the ring moves. Practicing this step is one of the smartest ways to improve accuracy and build muscle memory.
Perfecting the Throwing Motion
To consistently land excellent throws, the motion of the throw matters just as much as timing. Every Pokémon sits at a different distance, so the throw needs adjustment based on where the Pokémon is placed on the screen. Some Pokémon are closer and require a softer flick, while others like Legendaries or flying Pokémon sit farther back and require a stronger curved throw.
Basic Throwing Technique
- Use your thumb rather than your index finger for better control.
- Flick the Poké Ball smoothly rather than quickly.
- Aim slightly below the Pokémon rather than directly at it, because the ball travels in an arc.
- Practice straight throws first before moving to curved throws.
A balanced throw should feel smooth and controlled, not rushed or overly powerful. With enough repetition, your muscle memory naturally adapts to different Pokémon distances.
The Power of Curveball Throws
Curveballs not only look stylish, but they also increase your catch rate and make it easier to line up excellent throws once you understand the motion. To create a curveball, spin the ball in small circular motions before flicking it toward the Pokémon at a slight angle.
- Spin the ball clockwise if you plan to throw it toward the right side.
- Spin counterclockwise if aiming toward the left side.
- Release the ball smoothly so it curves into the center of the target circle.
Curveballs take some practice, but once learned, they make excellent throws more consistent and rewarding, especially when paired with the locked circle technique.
Timing Your Throw to Avoid Pokémon Attacks
Pokémon often jump or swipe right before you throw, which can break a potential excellent throw and waste a ball. Instead of rushing, pay attention to the Pokémon’s movement pattern. Most Pokémon repeat attacks in predictable intervals, so timing your throw after an animation greatly increases success.
Effective Timing Strategy
- Wait for the Pokémon to attack or jump first.
- Begin your throw as the animation ends.
- Release the ball so it lands just as the Pokémon finishes moving.
This strategic timing reduces frustration and prevents unnecessary missed throws, especially during raids and legendary encounters where every ball matters.
Practicing with Different Pokémon Types
Some Pokémon are naturally easier targets than others. Large Pokémon such as Snorlax or Lapras have wider circles, making excellent throws easier to land. Smaller or farther Pokémon require more precision. Practicing with easy targets first builds confidence and control before moving to more challenging encounters.
- Start with slow, stationary Pokémon to develop accuracy.
- Gradually practice on mid-distance Pokémon.
- Finally train with jumping or flying Pokémon.
Over time, you will recognize which species require stronger throws, higher arcs, or smaller aiming adjustments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even skilled players sometimes struggle with consistency. Knowing what mistakes cause missed excellent throws can help you improve faster.
- Throwing too fast instead of using a smooth motion.
- Releasing the ball while the Pokémon is attacking.
- Aiming at the center instead of accounting for the ball’s arc.
- Using too much power on close-range Pokémon.
Identifying these habits helps refine technique and builds more reliable performance over time.
Using Excellent Throws for XP and Rewards
Learning how to make excellent throws in Pokémon Go is not only about catching Pokémon – it also plays a major role in progression. Excellent throws award extra experience points, which becomes especially useful during events, bonuses, and leveling challenges. Consistent excellent throws also improve medal progress and boost performance in research tasks and challenges that require accuracy.
Benefits of Consistent Excellent Throws
- Higher catch success rate.
- More experience points per catch.
- Better progress toward throwing achievements.
- Greater efficiency during rare or event spawns.
When combined with berries or bonus multipliers, excellent throws become one of the most powerful tools for efficient gameplay.
Staying Patient and Practicing Regularly
Achieving consistent excellent throws takes practice, observation, and patience. The more you play, the more comfortable your timing and throwing rhythm will become. Treat each throw as a learning opportunity rather than a mistake. Over time, your accuracy improves naturally and excellent throws begin to feel effortless instead of challenging.
Mastering Excellent Throws Through Practice and Awareness
Mastering how to make excellent throws in Pokémon Go requires understanding circle mechanics, timing movements, adjusting throw strength, and developing accurate curveball control. By practicing regularly, studying Pokémon behavior, and staying patient, anyone can turn excellent throws into a dependable and rewarding habit. With steady improvement and focus, catching Pokémon becomes smoother, more efficient, and far more enjoyable, adding depth and satisfaction to every encounter in the game.