Nocking is the act of placing an arrow on the bowstring in preparation for shooting. This is an essential step in archery, as it ensures the arrow is correctly aligned and ready to be drawn and released. Nocking the arrow involves fitting the small notch at the back end of the arrow (called the "nock") onto the bowstring. The nock is positioned correctly so that the arrow is stable and securely held in place when the bowstring is drawn.

The process of nocking also includes ensuring that the arrow is oriented correctly, with the "cock feather" or "index feather" (the odd-colored or different-feathered part of the fletching) facing away from the bow. This helps the arrow fly straight when released, as the fletching will stabilize the arrow’s flight path.

Proper nocking is a key part of archery technique, and any mistakes during this process can lead to misfires, poor accuracy, or damage to the bow or arrow. Ensuring that the arrow is properly nocked before each shot contributes to better accuracy and consistency in archery.