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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?

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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.

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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 1:26
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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: 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😅

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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.

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