How to Use a Compound Bow Release

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

The compound bow is a modern variant of the traditional bow. Compound bows make it easier for archers to draw a heavy amount of force and use a mechanical release to fire the arrow. Fortunately, learning how to nock, aim, and fire a compound bow with a mechanical release is easier than you might expect!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Nocking and Attaching the Release

1
Place the arrow on or through the rest on the bow. This is the spot on the bow where the arrow is intended to lay when you shoot it. The design of the rest will determine whether you need to law the arrow on top of it or pass the arrow through it.
- If the rest is designed as an enclosed gap, then the arrow should pass through it. If it is simply a resting place along 1 side of the bow, then the arrow should rest on top of it.
- The arrow rest is typically located in or near the exact middle of the bow, just above the grip.
2
Align the notch at the rear of the arrow with the bowstring. This is the slot near the “fin” end of the arrow. Place this notch over the center of the bowstring where the nocking loop is located.
- This notch is called the arrow’s “nock,” hence why this process is called “nocking.”
- As you’re doing this, be sure to check the nock of the arrow for any signs of damage or structural weakness. This is where the force of the bow will be making contact with the arrow, so it’s very important that it not be cracked or broken.
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3
Press the nock back into the bowstring until you hear a clicking sound. Once you hear this click, that means the arrow is securely nocked to the string. If you don’t hear the click, check to make sure that the arrow is secure by seeing if it can slide off of the bowstring laterally.^{[1]
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- The arrow will feel noticeably more secure and “in place” if it’s successfully nocked.
Warning: Do not try to shoot an arrow that isn’t securely nocked. This can result in a misfire or in the arrow flying in an unintended direction when you release it.
4
Hook your mechanical release to the nocking loop on the bowstring. Make sure the release mechanism wrist support is firmly attached to your dominant hand when you go to do this. Clip the release mechanism to the thin loop of rope extending from the rear side of the bowstring to attach it.^{[2]
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- Some mechanical releases feature a hook instead of a clip that hooks onto the nocking loop on the bowstring.
- The nocking loop will look like a small “D” at the center of your bowstring. You may also hear it referred to as a “D-loop.”

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Aiming and Releasing the Arrow

1
Draw up the bow and aim your arrow toward the target. Use your non-dominant hand to grip the bow and raise it up until your arm is parallel with the earth. In this position, point your arrow as best you can in the direction of your target.^{[3]
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- If you need help aiming, try looking down your upraised arm with 1 eye closed and align the end of the arrow with where you want it to go.
- Never aim your arrow at another person, even if you haven’t pulled the drawstring back.
2
Pull the drawstring back until it touches your cheek. Keep your grip hand steadily extended out in front of you at nose height as you do this. As the drawstring comes further back, rotate your rear shoulder into your back.^{[4]
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- Note that you shouldn’t put any part of your face between the bowstring and the bow. Instead, the string should just be pulled back far enough to touch your face.
- Pull the drawstring back with the release mechanism, not with your bare fingers.
3
Push the bow away from you as you’re pulling the drawstring back. Try to use your back muscles instead of your arm muscles to do this. This will help to reduce the risk of muscle strain and put more power behind your shot.
4
Pull the trigger on the release mechanism to fire the arrow. The release mechanism will have either a thumb trigger or a finger trigger that you’ll need to depress to release the bow and fire the arrow. Concentrate on keeping the arrow trained at the target while gently and steadily squeezing.
- Thumb release mechanisms are preferred by target shooters, since they’re designed not to push down with the thumb, but rather to squeeze the entire hand. Finger triggers are more commonly used by hunters.
Tip: Avoid the temptation to rapidly squeeze the hand or jab with the finger. This will cause the bow assembly to jerk.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Proper Form

1
Be sure to stand perpendicular to your target when shooting your bow. Aim your non-dominant shoulder directly where you want the arrow to go. This will help to keep your shot as straight as possible.
- Remember that when the bow is being aimed, your back is doing the holding work, not your arm. Keep the bow arm as relaxed as possible while aiming.
2
Spread your feet slightly apart to keep your shot balanced. Make sure your feet are about shoulder-width apart, with your non-dominant foot positioned slightly more forward than the other one. Keep your legs and back straight as you go to fire your arrow.
- Having the right stance is important for establishing balance in your shot and creating clearance across your chest and bow arm.
3
Avoid loading the bow if anyone is in the path of the arrow. A bow with a nocked arrow is essentially a loaded weapon and should be treated as such. Never point a loaded bow at anything other than an arrow target.

Warning: Do not ever dry fire a bow. When you release a bow most of the energy generated goes to the arrow. If there isn’t a nocked arrow, all the energy goes back to the bow and causes micro cracks in its construction which makes the bow unsafe for future use.