For those who are looking to perfect their form with a bow, whether it be a standard bow, a crossbow, or any other, learning how to nock an arrow is critical. The trajectory and force of the shot depend on the arrow being properly seated before release. This often-overlooked step is more important than people think. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to nock arrows like a pro.
What is “Nocking”?
The term “nock” or “nocking” refers to the act of fitting the back of the arrow into the string of the bow. This is what holds the arrow in place as you draw back to shoot, whether manually or with a compound bow of some type. Once you pull an arrow, you will need to nock it, or seat it, correctly in the bow if you are going to get an accurate shot.
Of course, part of the process comes with practice. The rest is all about learning the right form. We’re assuming that you already have basic knowledge of how to hold a bow and shoot an arrow, but perhaps just might need a little extra help actually perfecting your shot.
“Nock” It Out of the Park
When you can get the hang of nocking, you will be able to repeat the process every single time. That means that you will have better odds of making the right shot. If you’re at a range, you might find that the nocking point is already set for you—this can be advantageous! Take a note of how they’ve set the nocking point. Feel free to ask questions and get a feel for how the shot works before you head home to try to set up your own arrow.
So, you’ve already perfected your stance and you’re ready to move forward. Here are the steps to ensure that you are successful. Remember, it may take some practice to get it perfectly right, but you have to start somewhere.
Step One: Grab an Arrow
Believe it or not, even the process of readying the arrow for nocking is part of the shot. You’ll want to grab an arrow from the quiver, holding it toward the end, just above or in front of the fletching.
Wait, what’s the fletching? That’s just a technical term for the feathers or plastic vanes at the end of the arrow. There are three, and one will be a different color. That’s the index vane.
Step Two: Set the Arrow
Now, make sure that your bow is pointed toward the ground so that you don’t accidentally send the arrow into the sky while trying to get it nocked. Keep your bow limbs vertical so you’re not interfering with anyone and set the arrow on the arrow rest.
Then, you’ll want to click the nock into the string. When you hear, and feel, the catch of the nock securing on the string, you’ll know the sound of success. Make doubly sure that the arrow is securely attached so you get a good shot.
The next surprise is that there is no step three—you’re done. If you’ve heard that beautiful “click” as the arrow slides into place, you’ve successfully nocked an arrow. See, now wasn’t that easy?
Practice Makes Perfect
As we mentioned earlier, practice is going to be the key to success. After all, it’s not just about getting the arrow on the string—it’s about getting the arrow in the right place and position on the string. You could nock the arrow too low, too high, or at the wrong angle and create all kinds of issues with your shot.
It may be helpful to take time practicing just pulling and nocking arrows. Don’t bother shooting or following through here. Just pull, nock, and repeat until you are comfortable enough that you don’t even have to think about it.
If you find that you’re struggling with this process, feel free to read up on how others do it and see what kind of insights they have to offer. Now, let’s discuss some important safety tips—after all, arrows are notoriously dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Safety Tips and Reminders
Range Shooting
If you’re at the range, you need to follow their rules to the letter. Most importantly, you’ll want to learn and follow the rule of the dropped arrow:
Leave it alone.
Ranges usually have strict rules here. If you drop an arrow or it falls out of your hands, leave it there. Don’t pick it up. Even if it’s in front of or on the line, don’t touch it. Just leave it, and if you can, signal to a staff member who can come over and assist you. This is a big safety rule at most ranges, and it’s one that they take very seriously.
Take Notes
If you’re not confident or you want more assistance, ask someone who has experience to assist you. If nothing else, you may be able to learn from their own methods. Even if you’re just at the range, ask a staff member to assist you with nocking, or any other part of the process that you’re not sure about.
Watch the Center Serving
On the bowstring, there’s a section of extra material near the middle of your string. This is about in the same area where the finger saver or nock is located. This area will tatter and fray over time and with regular use, which will indicate that it might be time to change your bowstring.
Broken Arrows
Always, always check your nocks before you hit the range. You should never shoot broken arrows, including those whose nocks are worn or broken. Although the modern arrow has come a long way and offers more durable quality than ever before, these little parts can become damaged over time.
Make sure that you look at the nock before you set it on the string. For the best safety, check your arrows before you go but it doesn’t hurt to give them a second look when you do go to shoot. Broken nocks could lead to dry fires or other misfire issues. Check the shaft, tip, and fletching for damage before shooting for added peace of mind.
The Art of Bow Shooting
You might not think of it as such, but there’s something of an art form to properly nocking and shooting a bow. Whether it’s a standard manual bow or a compound bow, part of the beauty comes in setting the arrow in the exact perfect spot to create the shot that hits the mark every single time. After all, until you’re comfortable with nocking, you’re not going to be comfortable shooting.
Over time and with practice, the entire process that starts with grabbing an arrow and ends with releasing the shot will become somewhat of a delicate symphony and you will be the conductor. Those who are really good have even adopted some snazzy moves to increase the trick factor or just add a unique touch.
Of course, you might also be surprised to learn that after you’ve nocked the arrow, there are at least a few more steps until the actual release:
- Grasping the bowstring correctly- grip matters
- Drawing back your bow
- Finding your anchor point
- Aiming the shot
Each of these steps may seem a bit awkward at first as you are learning how to shoot for the first time. However, the more you practice, the more you will become an artist yourself, creating your own beautiful masterpiece every single time you pull and nock a bow.
A Few More Tips
- The way that you grip the arrow matters—the exact method doesn’t but being consistent about your pull is going to make all the difference. You’ll want to hold the bow high up if you’re using a traditional (barebow) piece because it doesn’t have a built-in stabilizer. The upward angle is what actually helps stabilize the bow here.
- You can choose from a pinch grip or scoop grip, and the way that you nock and hold arrows may vary depending on the type of bow that you’re using, as well.
- There are a lot of little details here and that’s why practice so often makes perfect. Spend some time practicing your nocking skills and you’ll be on your way to better shooting in no time at all.
After all, lining up and prepping the shot is the majority of the effort. Actually releasing the arrow is the finale, and everything else should lead to that perfect finish, including the nocking process. Now that you know how it’s done, you can start practicing to see how you can improve your own skills. Just keep practicing and in no time, you’ll be nocking like a pro.