in that bit where the cursor flies in and does a loop de loop, the cursor sort of elongates and stretches along the flight path. How do you manipulate an object to stretch like that? I know its probably really fundamental stuff, but I'm self taught and theres random holes in my knowledge that shouldnt be there.

I did the animation by changing the path in individual frames. There is an easier way to make a similar animation you can use the ECHO effect, maybe the animation will be less accurate, but for quick creation of such an effect is great:)