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I noticed an XP bonus (+10 base if it just hits, no extra bonus for good throws) for a "curve ball" upon catching a Pokémon.

I have no idea how I did this, and would like to know how to replicate this for the future.

How do I throw a curveball?

Kaz Wolfe
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3 Answers3

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On the Capture Screen (where you see the Pokémon and the Pokéball), you may throw a curveball by following the below steps:

  1. Place your finger on the Pokémon
  2. Move your finger around in a circle in either direction
  3. When you start to see the ball "sparkle," release it.
    A pokéball glowing to indicate a curveball
  4. Pray that the ball lands on your target.

The Pokéball will curve back in the same direction that it was spun, so spinning the ball counter-clockwise will result in the ball curving left. As a result, you want to aim right of the Pokémon.

This method requires some practice, but is rather easy after getting the hang of it.

If a curveball is successfully thrown, the catch bonus multiplier for the Pokémon increases by a factor of x1.7, making it as effective as a straight Excellent throw.

Kaz Wolfe
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    Worth noting that a "nice hit" (+10xp) when done with a curve ball will be an "excellent hit" (+100xp) instead. – LCIII Jul 10 '16 at 01:26
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    @LCIII I don't think that's accurate. "Nice hit", "Great hit" and "Excellent hit" occur when the ball strikes the target within the shrinking circle when it is a certain size. These can be achieved with or without curving the ball and will replace the curve ball bonus. – aleppke Jul 11 '16 at 19:41
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    Please note: Step 4 is the most critical part. – Möoz Jul 26 '16 at 22:39
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    Throw bonuses and curveball bonuses are independent: http://i.imgur.com/q1KJXP2.png – Ray Poward Aug 19 '16 at 11:06
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You don't actually have to spin the ball before releasing it. It is possible to throw a curve ball by not throwing the ball completely straight but instead throw straight but a little to the side right before you release it. I've gotten extremely good at doing this on accident and have on occasion managed to waste 30 balls because I kept throwing curves... Not so fun when you have fifteen super balls and are trying to catch a Gengar (unfortunately it fled when I finally managed to hit it...) same with the only Wartortle I've met in the wild... Now I usually get surprised by the curves because I tend to get curves even when it looks like it hit with a normal throw

Minna Vipera
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Many of the answers submitted are too complex. They are over-thinking. I throw curveballs every time and my hit rate has gotten quite high. To throw a curve ball, simply draw a spiral or number six on the screen. Draw from the inside of the spiral outward. You can draw your spiral clockwise or counter-clockwise; it works either way. Only one loop around the spiral is necessary. More loops make it harder to aim, and serve no practical advantage.

And of course, practice, practice, practice.

Sam the Man
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