Nocking arrow by a pull
The technique requires both the arrow and string hand go from the same side of bow (either from inside or outside). This is how it is done:
1) In starting position hold the arrow by its nock, between fingers (choose fingers according to how you want to end). For example the arrow can be between index and middle fingers, fixed by a thumb.
2) String hand sets the arrow to a bow, from required side. Arrow will touch the bow near its feathers, the hand holding the arrow is just between the bow and the string. During whole move adjust the rotation of arrow by rolling.
3) The string hand fluently continues by pulling the arrow back, to the string. Arrow nock will lock on the string.
4) As soon as the arrow is nocked, hand continues to drawing the string. It holds the string in a way that resulted from the starting hold. Mediterranean draw for example.
The technique has a great advantage in that it is fluent - the string hand does just one motion, that directly continues in string drawing. There is no "there and back again". It also does not require long pulling or sliding, which makes the whole thing faster. Thanks to all this the technique is probably the fastest of all.
But the big problem is in point 3). "Arrow nock will lock on the string". But how? In fact you cannot quickly, reliably and without looking put the arrow nock on string without some cheating. Even with looking allowed you would have problems to do it by one fast motion. So what sort of cheat we will use?
The rail
The "cheat" is something that I will call a "rail". In fact the bowstring does not have to go directly to the arrow nock groove. It is enough if it hits the "rail", that wil guide it where we want. The rail principle is often used even in other techniques - when pumping, the arrow slides on the bow, when push-nocking on the string. The only difference is in that when pull-nocking you have to make the rail from your own fingers. The rail is then smaller (harder to hit), it behaves a bit differently, but it works.
There are many ways to build the rail, and don't be afraid to try them if you feel that your idea is better. The problem is that it is hard to copy the rail from fast-archers on the web, because the rail is small and hidden in the palm. I am still experimenting with it.
I know following rails:
- For nocking from the inner side I hold the arrow perpendicullary to the hand (not in the axis of fingers). If holding the arrow by index and middle finger, then my rail is made from the end of small finger and ring finger, and mostly by last link of middle finger. With the bow held horizontally I reach sort of below the string with this rail, and fingers turn to me. This works quite reliably, so I did not have to search for other possibilities.
- For nocking from the outer side it is a bit more problematic. I decided to put it on separate page - "Rails" for nocking by a pull.
Nocking by a pull:
In the beginning I was sure that this technique will be faster the push-nocking, because it is fluent and does not change direction. The I found that with push-nocking I can more often nock the arrow in the first try, so it is more reliable for me and thus faster. The I found that with correctly set rail can be the unreliability quite reduced. But it is hard to master, so nothing else remains than to train.