I have never figured out the curve-ball either - do you get a reasonable amount of raspberries? (or however you spell it) my trick has been sometimes repeated applications of them plus great balls when I have them.

Granted a lot of the stuff around here seems disinclined to poof and instead just wants to sit there and eat up my resources, buuuuut.

Alas if that is no help, that is no help. :( Which is sad.