Hey everyone! So, let's talk about that moment of dread when you think you've caught a rare Pokémon, only for it to run away. I recently had a close call with a Lapras – you know, those beautiful, sometimes chunky-looking Pokémon that are always a treat to find! The original post was my reply, sharing how I knew my Lapras hadn't actually been caught because it was still on the screen. It reminded me how crucial the 'fast catch' technique is in Pokémon Go, especially when you encounter something special like a Lapras. I used to struggle with missing Pokémon because of the long catch animations. It was so frustrating, especially when it was a high CP Pokémon or one I really needed for my collection. That's when I decided to master the fast catch, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! It's not just about saving time; it's about securing those catches you might otherwise lose. Here’s the breakdown of how to execute the fast catch, just like the steps I learned and saw in my community: Prepare Your Throw: When you encounter a wild Pokémon, don't just throw the ball yet. Thumb on Berries Icon: Place your thumb (or another finger) over the 'berries icon' located in the bottom left corner of your screen. Keep it held down. Throw and Release the Ball: While still holding down the berries icon, use your other finger to throw your Poké Ball as usual. Aim for an 'Excellent' throw if you can! Swipe Down and Tap: Immediately after you throw and release the ball, *swipe your thumb (the one holding the berries icon) down and off the screen*. Then, quickly tap anywhere else on your screen. Skip the Animation: This sequence makes the icons pop back up instantly. You'll see the 'x' icon in the top left corner. Tap that 'x' icon to exit the encounter screen. What happens then? Instead of watching the ball wiggle and the Pokémon break free or get caught, you're immediately returned to the map, or you can go straight into your next encounter! You'll know if you caught it by checking your journal or seeing if it's on the map. If it's still on the screen after you exit, like my Lapras was, then you know it wasn't caught, and you can try again! This technique is especially useful for events like Community Day or during hourly spotlights where you want to catch as many Pokémon as possible. For those larger, 'fat' Pokémon like Snorlax, Blissey, or even a robust Lapras, where every encounter counts, fast catching can make a huge difference. You're cutting down on the time spent on animations, which translates directly into more catch attempts and ultimately, more Pokémon added to your collection. It helps you maximize your XP gains and candy farming too! Give it a try next time you're out hunting. It might take a few tries to get the rhythm down, but once you master it, you'll wonder how you ever played without it. Happy catching, trainers!