Ring Locking (Circle Lock): How to Land More Excellent Throws

A timing trick that lets you freeze the target ring at whatever size you want, so instead of guessing when the ring will be small, you lock it small on purpose. This is the go-to method for landing Excellent throws on raid bosses, shadow Pokémon, and other limited-ball encounters.

Why It Works

The ring only shrinks or grows while you are actively holding the Poké Ball with your finger. The moment you lift your finger off, the ring freezes at whatever size it was. It stays frozen through the Pokémon's attack animation, which is your window to throw.

Step-by-Step

1. Touch and hold the Poké Ball. Do not throw yet.
2. Watch the ring shrink. Let go the instant it hits the size you want: a small ring gives Excellent (1.7x to 1.9x catch bonus), a medium ring gives Great (1.5x).
3. The ring is now locked at that size. It will not move.
4. Wait for the Pokémon to attack, not jump. This distinction matters, see the warning below.
5. During the attack animation, throw the ball. Spin it for a Curveball bonus if you want one.
6. Time it so the ball lands just before the attack animation ends.

The One Thing That Trips People Up

The ring is only locked during the attack animation, not during jump or movement animations. If you throw while the Pokémon is mid-jump, the ring can start moving again and you will lose your lock. Watch for the actual attack, when the Pokémon lunges or performs its move animation, not just any motion.

Practice Tip

Try this on common, stationary wild Pokémon first, not a rare raid boss, until the release timing and attack window feel automatic. Once it is muscle memory, use it on raids and shadow Pokémon where you do not want to waste balls.