Always select the 5 Star when it appears on the main screen. Reason is that it increases the chance it would burst out from the bushes
Tip 2
When the 5 Stars are in the shadow (lower section), always try to select a 1 or 2 star pokemon. They are more likely to appear in the bushes! So select them so that the machine is more likely to allow you to battle the 5 Star
Tip 3
Masterballs can be timed! Try to get a feel on when to push the lever to get a masterball. Practice makes perfect! Typical timing used is 4 seconds or 5 seconds before the wheel starts spinning.
Tip 4
Trade chance can occur when 2 pokemons are caught.
Tip 5
Personal experience that after choosing to take a 4* Tyranitar a trade chance came for a 1* Bagon (which gave us a 5* Darkrai!)
Tip 6
Make more friends! Ask the players around you on what might be in the machines
Tip 7
Try and predict how far the list will be. Normally the stacks don't clear that fast!
Urban Legends
Myth 1
Rotating the selection options at start helps to get 5 stars in bushes
Myth 2
Certain pokemons are "blocking" the 5 stars
Myth 3
Cover the pokemon while waiting for the pokeball to close
Myth 4
Wait till the timer is 20 (or some personal favourite) before starting
Myth 4
Covering the pokeball with your hand/disk/something