Nocking an arrow is an easy yet tricky task. Make sure that you are putting the arrow on the string in the right way.
Today we’ve decided to provide you with a complete guide on the correct way to nock an arrow, perfect for beginners, but even if you are an advanced archer, this can be really helpful to save time and just make your overall shot more efficient. Especially is you’re doing any team around of thing; you don’t want to be fumbling with the arrow at all
This isn’t the hardest thing to do. All you need is proper guidance and some tips. People ask some exciting sort of questions about the specific ins, outs, how’s, and quirks. So, we decided to combine these questions and help you out in a simple way.
Let’s see what can work when it comes to nocking an arrow faster and correctly. Some of the ways are pretty easy. However, some of them need some practice. There goes a phrase like there are many ways to skin a cat. So, we will go through some of the ways through which you can nock an arrow correctly.
Let’s have a look at the best ways to put the arrow from your quiver and nock it!
Most of you might have an idea about nocking of an arrow, but for the beginners. Please have a look at it!
Table of Content
Nocking an Arrow:
Nocking is basically holding the arrow with a suitable position on a bowstring. After that, it is only released when we release the string. Most of you might have noticed that there is a plastic part at the end of an arrow, this is the part that connects the arrow with a string. And, when the arrow is nocked, a “click” sound is produced there.
Now, let’s move forward!
Parts of an Arrow:
Firstly, take a look at the image below:-
In order to nock an arrow correctly, you first need to know about the parts of an arrow thoroughly. From the image, you can see that an arrow has four parts. And, they are:
- The Arrowhead/point
- The Shaft
- The Nock
- The Fletching
The arrowhead/point:
Arrowhead is basically the tip of an arrow that is sharp to cut into the target easily. Most of the materials used for constructing arrowheads are stones, horns, sticks, bones, and metal.
Arrowheads are divided into different categories depending upon the type of the arrow and the usage of the arrow. Mainly, arrowheads are categorized as blunt and penetrating arrowheads. However, only, pointed arrowheads are used for practice.
The shaft:
The main body of an arrow is called the shaft. It is stem-like and elongated. It is considered as the central and basic unit where all the other parts are attached to. Wood, carbon fiber, aluminum, obsidian, and some other materials are used to make the shaft.
The fletching:
The fletching is the feather-like structure present at the end of an arrow. Most of the time, there is 3-4 fletching present on an arrow. They are supposed to provide stability to the arrow. They also increase the velocity of an arrow and help it reach the target faster.
However, one feather is different in color from the other feathers, and it is called a “cock”, the left feathers are all the same in color and are called the “hen.” The cock is pointed towards the archer and the others are in the opposite direction. The “cock” plays an essential role in nocking the arrow.
The nock:
The last yet crucial part of an arrow is the nock. It is pretty small in size, and it present at the very end of an arrow. A nock is made up of plastic with a bit of slit in its middle.
The slit in the nock is present so that the string can struck in it and for adjusting the arrow on the string. It prevents the arrow from falling down when you are drawing or releasing it.
How to Nock an Arrow:
After knowing well about the parts of an arrow, we can now quickly move towards the core of the article and tell you the best ways to nock an arrow correctly.
It’s better to move step by step!
Step#1:
Firstly, place the arrow on the shelf. You need to be careful here, especially if you are a beginner. You have to set the arrow on the shelf that would be pointing towards the skin. For doing this, there are two easy methods. Either you can put the arrow via the gap between the string, or you can go around the string too. Choose according to your preference.
Here, remember one thing: make sure not to keep your bow horizontal if you are practicing archery and the group of archers. In case you like to shoot without a shelf. Then you can keep the arrow in your hand. However, remember to put some kind of protection on your hand so that they don’t get any harm.
In order to avoid any unhappy incident, make sure to raise your bow only if you are willing to aim, otherwise keep it down.
Step#2:
The second step is, checking the orientation of an arrow. So, an arrow can be attached to the string in two different ways, but you have to choose one of them for perfection. The nocking of an arrow depends upon the bow type, so let’s have a look.
Recurve and longbow:
In these two bows, the fletching point must be away from the riser. Based on the fletching colors, you can easily get to know how to nock an arrow correctly. But how?
The “hen”‘ must be closest to the riser while the “cock” must be pointing away from the riser. But this trick only works when there is two flitching called “hen” and one called “cock”. So, if there is a ratio of 3 and one, then this trick cannot work there.
Compound bow:
Compound bows have arrow rest in them for convenience, and arrows are shoot through them. So, the arrow doesn’t rest against the bow, and there, the arrow rest helps in releasing the arrow.
Hence, the “hen” fletching on an arrow must be pointed upwards so that you face zero errors while shooting.
Step#3:
Thirdly, you have to place the nock between the nocking points. After placing the arrow in the right orientation, you have to place the nock between the two nocking points. However, if there is only one nocking point, you should place the nock just below the nocking point.
But here, most of the archers face an issue, and it is that the nock of an arrow slips up the nocking point, but you can avoid it by an upper nocking point.
There are rubber-made finger protections on the string on some of the expensive bows, but these finger protections can also be used as nocking points. Hence, you can easily nock your arrow between the two nocking points.
Step#4:
On the step, you have to press the nock on the string, and when you hear a “click” sound, that means that the arrow is correctly attached to the string. It means that the arrow would stick to the string even if you take your hands off the arrow, and if it doesn’t stick to it, then the arrow is not attached rightly.
If the nock fitting of your bow is loose, then change the string because it can lead to the dryfire of the bow.
Step#5:
Lastly, you have to place the arrow on the arrow rest. You can shoot after attaching the arrow to the string correctly if you are using a traditional bow or a bow without arrow rest. But, if you are using a bow with arrow rests, then after attaching the arrow to the string, you have to place it into the arrow rest and the shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are nocking points important?
Ans: Yes, they are, and if there aren’t two, then there should be the upper nocking point because they help you to place the arrow correctly and prevent it from clumsiness.
2. How can we nock an arrow while using the clicker?
Ans: Nocking an arrow is difficult while using a clicker. But, of course, it is not impossible. In that case, place the arrow’s nock under the clicker immediately. However, this can also be done after attaching the arrow to the string.
3. How far from the end should the fletching be placed?
Ans: Well, it’s better to place them 1inch away from the nock-end for better performance and accuracy.
Conclusion:
Nocking an arrow correctly is the main issue faced by beginners, so that this guide would help them there. Moreover, remember to keep your bow down when it is not in use. It saves you and your members from any mishap.
We hope you’d find this article helpful. Let us know if you like it.
In case of any queries and suggestions, comment below!
Happy hunting!