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How to Consistently Make Great Throws in Pokémon GO

by Ryan Carter   Updated on 2026-01-05 / Update for  change location

how to get great throw pokemon go

Getting a great throw in Pokémon GO is a skill every trainer should know. Great Throws make catching Pokémon easier, give you extra XP, and help you finish many research tasks. With the December 2025 events bringing tons of extra spawns and fresh Pokémon to catch, being able to throw matters accurately even more. Instead of repeating the same old advice you see everywhere, this guide explains things clearly and realistically, focusing on the problems players actually deal with and the tips that truly work whether you're brand new or still trying to improve your aim.

What Is a Great Throw in Pokémon GO?

A great throw Pokémon GO happens when your Poké Ball lands while the colored circle around the Pokémon is at a medium size. The game rewards you for timing your throw so the ball hits the Pokémon at the right moment. The throw ratings go from nice throw (big circle) to Great (medium circle) to excellent throw Pokémon GO (smallest circle). Understanding this circle mechanic is the foundation of accurate throwing. Once you know how the shrinking circle works, everything else becomes much easier.

To visualize it simply, imagine the circle closing like the hands of a clock. When that circle reaches the perfect size, not too big or too small, that's your Great Throw moment. Young players especially find it useful to practice watching the circle shrink before they attempt to throw.

Why Players Struggle with Throws?

After reviewing YouTube tutorials, Reddit questions, and TikTok Comments, it's clear that most players struggle not because the throw is difficult but because several hidden challenges affect accuracy. The first common issue is timing; many people swipe too early or too late because they throw while the circle is still shrinking rapidly. Others have a hard time understanding Pokémon distance. Some creatures, like Gengar, stand close to the screen, while larger Pokémon such as Lapras or Wailmer sit much farther away. Kids especially find this confusing and often throw too softly or too hard.

Movement is another major challenge. Pokémon frequently jump, dodge, or attack, making it frustrating when a perfect throw is wasted. Curve balls also confuse newer players because controlling the arc requires more practice. Even phone performance plays a role; old or laggy phones make throws inconsistent. This Pokémon GO throw guide helps solve all these problems step by step.

How to Hit Consistent Great Throws?

Great Throws require both proper timing and correct distance. Each Pokémon has a different throw distance, so you may need to adjust your swipe strength. Snorlax and Wailmer often need harder throws because they sit far away, while small Pokémon like Pidgey require gentle flicks. Use the frozen circle to avoid rushing and wait for the Pokémon to stop moving before releasing your ball. With practice, you will find yourself landing Great Throws more frequently, making gameplay smoother and more enjoyable.

If you want to complete research tasks that require 5 great throws in a row Pokémon GO, the key is choosing a calm Pokémon. Slow-moving creatures like Slowpoke or Drowzee are ideal. Avoid jumpy Pokémon like Zubat because they make the challenge harder. If you break your streak, simply run away and restart the game won't punish you for resetting the encounter.

Upgrading from Great Throws to Excellent Throws

Once Great Throws feel comfortable, many players want to learn how to get an excellent throw in Pokémon GO, especially because Excellent throws offer the highest XP in the game. The difference is that the circle must be much smaller, almost touching the Pokémon itself. Bigger Pokémon like Wailmer, Onix, or Snorlax are the easiest targets for an excellent Pokémon GO throw because their bodies fill most of the screen. Smaller or faster Pokémon are more challenging but become manageable with time.

Some players online search for a Pokémon GO excellent throw hack, but in reality, achieving excellent throws consistently doesn't require a hack it simply takes proper timing, patience, and familiarity with different Pokémon distances. Excellent Throws feel rewarding because they offer bonus XP and noticeably better catch chances.

How iAnyGo Auto-Catch Help New Players Improve?

Some players, especially younger users, find throwing difficult because of shaky hands or laggy phones. This is where the optional tool iAnyGo Auto-Catch becomes genuinely helpful. It allows trainers to customize their throw positions, use automatic Pokémon Go curve balls, and choose different Poké Ball types such as Poké Balls, Great Balls, or Ultra Balls. It even mirrors your screen to a computer so you can practice throws on a larger display.

These features don't replace learning how to throw, but they make it easier to stay consistent during events when many Pokémon appear at once. Kids who struggle with timing often find it comforting that the tool helps them keep playing without getting frustrated.

How to use:

  • First, make sure you're using the latest version of iAnyGo Auto-Catch. Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable, and hit "Enter" to move ahead.

    iAnyGo interface after connecting your phone with computer with usb cable
  • Choose the "Game Mode" for automatic catching.

    choosing game mode to use iAnyGo for pokemon go
  • Before pairing, check that Pokémon GO has Location Permission set to Always.

    setting location permissions to get started
  • Open Pokémon GO, tap the red Poké Ball, and head into Settings (top-right). From there, go to Connected Devices & Services, then tap Accessory Devices.

    modifieng accessory devices settings
  • Once iAnyGo Auto-Catch appears, select Pokémon GO Plus to start the connection. When everything links successfully, you'll see the status marked as Completed.

    selecting pokemon go plus to begin
  • After pairing, a small pop-up will show up beside iAnyGo Auto-Catch with useful stats like how many Pokémon you've caught and how many items you currently have in your bag.

    iAnyGo showing pokemon go stats

Tips to Get a Great Throw in Pokémon GO: Step-by-Step

Getting a Great Throw might seem simple, but there's actually a bit of technique behind it. With a little practice, you'll start hitting them far more consistently. Here's a friendly guide to help you improve your throws without overthinking it.

Understand the Throw Circle Timing

Each Pokémon has a colored circle that keeps shrinking. That circle decides whether your throw is Nice, Great, or Excellent. The trick is to throw exactly when the circle reaches the Great size, not after it closes.

understand the throw circle timing
  • Hold your finger on the Poké Ball.

  • The circle freezes.

  • When you lift your finger, the game throws instantly.

Start With Straight Throws

Before jumping into curveballs, it really helps to get the basics down. A clean, straight throw builds muscle memory and accuracy.

start with straight throws in pokemon go
  • Stick to one finger; it gives better control

  • Don't flick too hard

  • Try releasing the ball when your swipe reaches the center of the screen

Move On to Curve Throws

Once straight throws feel comfortable, curveballs are the next step. They're worth learning because they boost your catch chance and give extra XP.

start practicing curve throws in pokemon go
  • Spin the Poké Ball in a small circle until it sparkles.

  • Swipe toward the Pokémon at a slight angle.

  • Let the curve guide it into the shrinking circle.

Pay Attention to Pokémon Distance

Not every Pokémon stands at the same distance, which is why some throws fall short or fly too far. Understanding their distance helps you adjust your throw strength.

  • Close range: Pidgey, Rattata

  • Medium: Snorlax, Dragonite

  • Far away: Lapras, Chansey

Try the Set-Circle Trick

This trick is loved by many players because it makes landing Great Throws much more predictable.

  • Hold the ball until the circle shrinks to a Great size.

  • Lift your finger to lock that size in place.

  • Wait for the Pokémon to stop moving.

  • Throw during a calm moment.

Turn Off AR Mode

Unless you enjoy the AR experience, turning it off actually makes catching a lot easier. With AR off:

how to turn of AR mode in pokemon go
  • The Pokémon stays centered

  • The throw distance is always the same

  • Curveball angles feel more controlled

Practice on Pokémon That Are Easy to Hit

Some Pokémon have big hit circles and barely move, making them perfect practice targets.

  • Slowpoke

  • Spheal

  • Drowzee

  • Electabuzz

  • Wartortle

Advanced Throw Techniques for Confident Players:

As you gain experience, you will notice that every Pokémon follows a rhythm. Many attack or jump every few seconds. If you throw right after an attack animation ends, your ball has a much higher chance of connecting. Holding the phone with one hand and throwing with the other provides better stability. Some players even use a stylus for smoother swipes, making it easier to hit the center of the circle.

Curve throws also differ slightly depending on whether you're right-handed or left-handed. Right-handed players tend to curve clockwise, while left-handed players curve counterclockwise. Testing both directions helps find what feels natural. Long catches during community days can cause hand fatigue, so take short breaks to keep your aim steady.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Why can't I hit a Great Throw in Pokémon GO?

Most players miss because of timing and distance issues. Laggy phones make it worse. iAnyGo Auto-Catch helps by stabilizing throws and reducing shaky or delayed swipes.

Q2. How do I get a Great Throw in Pokémon GO consistently?

Freeze the circle, wait for the Pokémon to stop moving, then throw at the Great size. iAnyGo Auto-Catch can improve accuracy by letting you adjust throw positions easily.

Q3. How do I get 5 Great Throws in a row?

Use calm Pokémon like Slowpoke or Drowzee. Avoid jumpy Pokémon like Zubat. If you miss a throw, run from the encounter and restart, your streak requirement won't reset.

Q4. How do I get Excellent Throws if I'm struggling?

Practice on big Pokémon like Wailmer or Onix. iAnyGo Auto-Catch lets you fine-tune curve throws, making practice smoother.

  Updated on 2026-01-05 10:27:43 / Update for  change location

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