What is a nocking point?

A nocking point is the position on the bowstring where you attach the arrow. A tied marker or metal nock set locates it so each arrow starts at the same height. Nocking point height is measured relative to a line square to the string through the arrow's support on the rest.

Nocking point, nock and nock set

The nock is the fitting on the arrow. A nock set is a marker fixed to the string. Archers often call the marker itself a nocking point, so an instruction to raise the nocking point usually means moving the marker and the arrow's location upward.

One marker can locate the top of the arrow nock; two can define its position from above and below. The spacing must allow the nock to move freely as the string forms a sharper angle at full draw. Tight contact on both sides at rest can become a pinch during the draw.

Tied points or brass nock sets?

Tied points use thread around the center serving, which is the protective wrap on the bowstring. They are light and can be adjusted during setup before being secured. Use suitable material and a tying method that will not loosen or slide while shooting.

Brass nock sets clamp around the serving with purpose-made pliers. Their lining protects the string when correctly fitted. Over-crimping can damage serving or string fibers; an under-crimped set may move. Check for sharp edges and avoid crushing the string to stop a loose marker.

On a compound bow, tied nock sets may sit inside a D-loop. The loop supplies the release connection, while the ties establish spacing around the arrow. Check the clearance with your own nock; another archer's knot spacing may pinch it.

How do you measure nocking point height?

  1. Set the bow to its intended starting setup, including brace height (the resting gap between the grip's pivot point and string) and rest position. Use the bow manufacturer's initial recommendations.
  2. Fit a T-shaped bow square against the string and the arrow's support surface to establish a right-angle reference.
  3. Place the locating marker at the recommended starting height. State exactly what you measured, such as the lower edge of the upper marker.
  4. Fit an arrow and check nock spacing with qualified help, then record the height before tuning.

There is no single height that suits every recurve, compound and barebow. Rest design, finger position and bow geometry affect the starting point. Changing brace height or rest height can also change the measured relationship.

What height changes can tell you

Nocking-point changes affect the arrow's vertical launch. Use bare-shaft tuning for an appropriate finger-release setup or the tuning procedure recommended for your compound. Keep adjustments small and record them so you can return to the original position.

A high or low impact alone does not identify a nocking-point fault. Clearance problems, inconsistent release or compound cam timing can also affect vertical flight. If the arrow lifts from the rest during the draw, check for nock pinch before moving the height. Secure the final markers and measure again after shooting.

Questions

Should the arrow sit exactly square to the string?

Not on every setup. Many finger-release bows start with the nock slightly above square, while compound starting geometry depends on the manufacturer and rest arrangement. Use the recommended baseline, then confirm flight and clearance. A visually level arrow is not proof that the setup is tuned.

Do you need two nocking-point markers?

Two markers can prevent the arrow nock from shifting above or below its intended position, but they need enough clearance to avoid squeezing it at full draw. Some setups use one marker successfully. Choose the arrangement for your bow and release style, then check that the nock moves and releases freely.

Why did the measured height change after practice?

A tied point may have moved, or the string may have settled and changed brace height. Rest movement can also change the reference measurement. Inspect each part before tying a new marker. Record both brace height and nocking-point height so you can identify which part of the setup changed.