Not sure what the experts do....but this works for me. I throw the ball and keep asking them to bring it to me...if they do..I get a higher pitch to my voice and excited sounding, and then I toss the ball again. If the ball is not brought back to me I lose interest and no longer toss it. So far, this has worked for every pup I have ever had. Also, if the ball is not released to me.....game is over.