The nock point, that tiny but crucial element on your bowstring, plays a big role in achieving accurate and consistent arrow flight with your traditional bow. Its placement directly impacts how the arrow interacts with the string and shelf, influencing both trajectory and grouping. But unlike target archery with sights, traditional aiming techniques affect the proper nock point, making nock point setup a nuanced dance between aiming technique and bow configuration. Here’s a breakdown of setting the nock point based on the aiming method you employ.

Understanding the Basics:

Before diving in, let’s cover some foundational information. Most traditional bows lack an arrow rest, so arrows shoot “over the shelf.” This means the nock point needs to be slightly higher than perpendicular to the string and shelf to ensure proper clearance. We find that most traditional bows like to have the nocking point approximately 1/2 inch above the shelf, but the exact height will vary based on the position of your fingers as well as other factors we’ll cover below. Using a bow square (often called a T-Square) will help make the measurements listed below much easier. For reference, the 1/2 inch above the shelf is indicated by the top 0 line in the picture above. 5/8 is the line right above the top 0 line.

1. Split-Finger Shooting

This popular technique involves placing two fingers below the nock and arrow and one above the nock on the string. The arrow rests on the pad of your top finger. This finger positioning is most commonly used by instinctive shooters.

• Standard Height (⅜ inch to ½ inch above the arrow shelf): This facilitates a more intuitive “point-and-shoot” style. Many instinctive shooters anchor the middle finger in the corner of the mouth. It might be preferable for shorter distances or situations demanding faster target acquisition such as hunting.
• Fine-Tuning: Start by shooting some arrows at close range. If you see an up-and-down “porpoising” of your arrows, you’ll need to try raising and lowering your nocking point until the flight is straight. If porpoising up, then lower the nock slightly and test again. If porpoising down, then raise the nock slightly. Also, remember that proper form and consistent anchor point are equally important for achieving consistent arrow flight.

2. Three-Under Shooting

This technique involves placing all three fingers under the nock and arrow on the string. Due to the increased pressure applied to the lower limb, a slightly higher nock point is often recommended for better arrow clearance and balance. It is most commonly used for gap shooting or string walking.

• Standard Height (⅝ to ¾ inch above the arrow shelf): This provides ample clearance for the arrow and fletching while maintaining a comfortable hand position. It’s a good starting point for most three-under shooters.
• Fine-Tuning: Similar to split-finger, make minor adjustments based on your arrow flight. However, due to the different hand positions and potential anchor points, fine-tuning might require more experimentation to find the sweet spot.

Tuning for the Fixed Crawl: The fixed crawl has become more popular over the past 10 years. Start by testing with a standard nock point height (⅝ to ¾ inch above perpendicular) and another nock point slightly below that to hold the arrow in place. Next, you’ll anchor your index finger at a predetermined point on the string using an additional nock point, typically a half inch to an inch below the arrow nock point. This consistent anchor point allows for a consistent draw length and arrow trajectory.The goal is to achieve optimal arrow flight while allowing your aiming point (through the fixed crawl) to align with the point of impact at your chosen distance. This iterative process might require slight adjustments to both the nock point and crawl position.

Additional Considerations:

• Brace Height: This measurement from the string to the deepest part of the grip can influence nock point placement. A higher brace height might require a slightly lower nock point for optimal arrow flight. Consult your bow manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model.
• Arrow Spine: The stiffness of your arrow shaft can also play a role. Stiffer arrows might require a slightly higher nock point for better clearance. Experimenting with different arrow spines can help find the perfect combination for your bow and shooting style.

Remember: The final nock point placement is a personal journey with your particular bow and arrow setup. Start with a good baseline based on your aiming technique, experiment with minor adjustments, and prioritize consistent form for optimal results. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from experienced traditional archers or qualified archery shops for personalized advice. With a well-tuned nock point and dedication to practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of traditional archery.