You nock an arrow with the bow parallel to the ground. The cock feather should be pointing:

When nocking an arrow on a bow with it held parallel to the ground, having the cock feather pointing straight up is essential for proper arrow flight and clearance. The cock feather, which is usually a different color from the other two fletchings, acts as a guide for the arrow when it passes through the bowstring.

If the cock feather is correctly pointed upward, it ensures that the arrow can pass through the bow's rest and not interfere with other components of the bow setup during release. This orientation helps in preventing potential contact with the rest or the bow limbs, which can negatively affect accuracy and consistency in shooting.

This position allows the arrow to properly stabilize in flight as well, facilitating a straight trajectory towards the target. Understanding the correct placement of the cock feather is vital for any archer, as it directly impacts accuracy and shooting performance.