How to Throw a Curveball in Pokémon Go [High Successful Rate]

Stuck on a Field Research task or level-up challenge asking you to make Curveball throws in Pokémon GO? Don't worry - you're definitely not alone. And once you learn how to throw a Curveball in Pokémon Go, you'll not only save PokéBalls but also improve your catch rate, rack up XP faster, and complete tricky tasks with ease.

In this guide, I'll break down exactly how to make successful curveball and share personal tips to help you consistently land those spinning throws like a seasoned trainer.

Part 1. What Are Curveball Throws in Pokémon Go

A Curveball in Pokémon GO is a special throwing technique where you spin the PokéBall before tossing it, causing it to travel in an arc rather than a straight line. While it requires a bit more skill than a standard throw, the game rewards you with significant bonuses for successfully landing one, making it an essential technique for any serious player.

Part 2. Does a Curveball Help in Pokémon Go

Absolutely, yes! Throwing a Curveball in Pokémon GO isn't just for flair - it's built into the game's mechanics as a powerful advantage that every trainer should be using. As someone who's spent thousands of hours catching Pokémon, I can tell you from experience: Curveballs are one of the most efficient and effective tools you have. Here's why:

1. Increased Catch Rate

This is the most important reason to learn Pokémon Go Curveballs. When you land a Curveball, it boosts your catch chance by 1.7 times. That means your Poké Ball is far more likely to keep the Pokémon inside, especially for rare or high-CP ones that love to break free.

The best part? This bonus stacks with other boosts like Razz Berries, stronger Poké Balls, and high-quality throws. For example, if you throw an Excellent Curveball using a Golden Razz and an Ultra Ball, you're giving yourself some of the best odds in the game.

2. Bonus XP

You also earn an extra 20 XP for every Pokémon caught with a Curveball. Sure, that may sound small, but over time it really adds up - especially during Spotlight Hour, Community Day, or when using a Lucky Egg. Personally, I've earned tens of thousands of bonus XP just by using Curveballs during XP events. It's one of the easiest ways to level up fast in Pokémon Go.

3. Needed for Research and Level-Ups

You'll often see Field Research tasks like "Make 3 or 5 Great Curveball Throws in a Row", which reward rare Pokémon such as Spinda or Gible. Also, once you hit Level 40, further Level-Up challenges will ask you to make hundreds of Pokémon Go Curveball throws. If you've already built the habit, these tasks become a breeze.

Part 3. How to Throw A Curveball in Pokémon Go Without Wasting

The key to throwing a Curveball in Pokémon GO effectively is to follow a consistent technique. If you can build a rhythm, you'll reduce missed throws and save a ton of PokéBalls - especially when working on Field Research or level-up tasks. Here's my go-to method on how to throw a Curveball in Pokémon Go, step by step.

Step 1 Tap and hold the PokéBall at the bottom of your screen.
Step 2 Instead of flicking the ball right away, drag the ball in a tight little circle a few times. You can spin it either clockwise or counter-clockwise. Once you see sparkles around the ball, it means the spin is active and ready.

Step 3 Now swipe the ball toward the Pokémon - but not straight. You'll want to release it at an angle so that the spin causes it to curve back toward the center of the target circle.

• If you spin clockwise, throw from the bottom-left (about the 8 o'clock position).
• If you spin counter-clockwise, throw from the bottom-right (around 4 oclock).

If your Pokémon Go Curveball lands and you catch the Pokémon, you'll see a "Curveball 20XP" on the XP reward pop-up. Even better, that XP bonus stacks with lucky eggs, Spotlight Hour bonuses, and other 4x XP events.

✨ Pro-Tip: How to Make 5 Great Curveball Throws in A Row?

Apart from how to make a Curveball in Pokémon Go, this is one of the most frustrating tasks for many trainers - but trust me, once you understand the rhythm and timing, it becomes much easier. Here's how I consistently complete this challenge without wasting PokéBalls.

• Practice on large Pokémon:
  • Start with Pokémon that have large target circles and are close to the screen. These give you more room for error and make Great throws easier to land. Good candidates include Snorlax, Wailmer, Ponyta, Slowpoke, or any raid boss like Dynamax 1 Star Raid.
• Choose the correct PokéBalls:
  • Use standard Poké Balls when practicing on low-CP or common Pokémon.
  • Switch to Great or Ultra Balls for higher CP Pokémons to improve your catch rate and reduce the chance they break out and reset your streak. The goal is to catch each Pokémon after landing a Great Curveball - otherwise, your streak starts over.
• Time the Great Throw circle:
  • A Great throw hits when the colored target circle is about halfway closed. Hold the ball and wait until the Pokémon finishes attacking or jumping. As soon as the circle returns to your desired size, throw. This timing is crucial for getting consistent results.
• Adjust based on the Pokémon's Position:
  • For grounded Pokémon, aim slightly lower and curve the ball upward.
  • For flying or floating Pokémon, aim higher and let the Pokémon Go curveball drop into the target zone.
• Try the Airplane Mode trick:
  • If you're on the last Pokémon Go Curveball throw in a row, this is the most efficient way. Just turn on Airplane Mode before your throw (disconnecting your network). Throw the Curveball. If it wasn't a Great, force-close the app, and reopen it. If successful, turn on the Airplane mode quickly to sync your results.

Part 4. Best Tool for Pokémon Go Curveball Practice

Another key on how to throw a Curveball in Pokémon Go is practicing. But let's be honest - sometimes, your local area just doesn't cut it for practicing Curveball in Pokémon Go. Whether you've already cleared out the nearby spawns or just want to grind Curveball practice faster, location-changing tools can seriously level up your training. As an experienced trainer, I've tested a few of these tools, and one of my top picks is TunesKit Location Changer.

If you're trying to master Curveballs, the more Pokémon you encounter, the better. By teleporting to areas with dense spawns - like city parks, coastal zones, or Pokémon nests - you give yourself a nearly endless supply of practice targets. No waiting around for spawns or wasting incense. You can get in dozens of throws in just a few minutes via TunesKit Location Changer.

Here's how to make Pokémon GO Curveball practice faster and more convenient with TunesKit Location Changer:

Step 1 Install and launch the TunesKit Location Changer on your computer. Then connect your iPhone or Android device and complete necessary setup.

Step 2 Once it's ready, TunesKit will detect your device. Select the Pokémon Go under Game Mode, and launch a map interface on your computer, while Pokémon GO opens on your phone.

Step 3 Now comes the fun part - teleport anywhere in the world. Just enter the location or coordinates into the search bar and click "Start Modifying". Your in-game location updates instantly.

• Want to find lots of Wailmer to practice on? Search for coastal cities.
• Need a Magikarp nest? Head to popular waterfront parks.
• Prefer a calm, consistent spot with low-CP Pokémon for easier throws? Choose a quiet neighborhood with frequent spawns.

Step 4 Want to keep exploring without constant teleporting? Use Joystick Mode (found at the top-right corner). You can move in any direction by keyboard, dragging the direction control on screem, or clicking the spot and "Start Moving" on the map.

Part 5. FAQs on Pokémon Go Curveball

Part 6. Conclusion

While it may take some practice, learning how to throw a curveball in Pokémon Go is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in Pokémon GO. The significant boost to your catch rate and the extra XP make it a technique you should use for every single throw. By using the TunesKit Location Changer and practicing on large Pokémon, you'll soon be catching even the toughest monsters with confidence and skill.