Nocking Point: Position, Setup, and Tuning

The nocking point is a specific location on the bowstring where the arrow is attached before each shot. It is typically marked with a small metal or plastic clip — technically called a nocking point locator or nock set — that gives the archer a consistent reference. Getting nock point position right is one of the first steps in building repeatable, accurate shooting.

Why Nock Point Position Matters

Even a few millimeters of variation in nocking point position can alter an arrow's flight path, reduce accuracy, and cause inconsistent groupings. A poorly placed nocking point is one of the most common causes of porpoising — an up-and-down oscillation of the arrow in flight — which signals the nock is set too high or too low. A correctly set nocking point helps keep every arrow on the same trajectory, shot after shot.

How to Set Nock Point Position

The standard starting tool is a bow square (T-square), which clips onto the string and rests on the arrow rest. Most archers position their nocking point nock high — slightly above the bow square's horizontal zero line. Common starting ranges include:

• Recurve and traditional bows: 3/16" (about 5 mm) above zero is a widely used starting point, with a tuning range of ¼" to ½" high.
• Barebow: start around ½" high, unless using a drop-away rest.
• Compound bows: a D-loop typically serves as the nocking point locator; fine-tune from there.

Understanding how the center serving relates to nock placement helps explain why arrows can creep up or down if the serving is worn or incorrectly sized.

Marking and Adjusting the Nocking Point

Once you have your starting height, mark the nocking point position with a crimped brass clip or by tying a bowstring nock knot with serving thread. Using two locators — one above and one below the arrow nock — prevents the arrow from shifting during the draw.

To fine-tune, the bare-shaft method is the most reliable approach: shoot fletched and unfletched arrows at 15–20 yards and compare impact points. If bare shafts strike above the fletched group, the nocking point is too high; if below, it is too low. Adjust in small increments — around 1/32" (0.8 mm) — and re-test until groups converge.

Archers shooting barebow style may need to revisit nock point position when changing arrow weight or rest type, as both affect the tuning baseline.