How often do you check your arrows? A cursory inspection should be done after every shot.

Slightly flex carbon arrows and listen for creaking or cracking sounds. If you hear something, that arrow should no longer be shot. Look at the nock end for signs of vertical or horizontal cracking. Look at the point end to verify the point is firmly seated against the shaft and has not been blunted by unexpected objects in the target.

A visual inspection of aluminum shafts should be done as well. Check the point and nock ends of the arrow. You’ll often see skilled archers spin shafts to verify straightness if they suspect an errant shot was not due to the shooter.

If you are shooting tight groups, checking your nocks and fletches should be standard operating procedure after every shot! Be aware of an arrow nock which feels different while being nocked on the string. The nock should be replaced immediately if it feels different from the last time you nocked the arrow.

Shooting accurately demands attention to details such as these. But it goes farther than that. These are safety issues. Failing to pay heed to your nocks and arrows can lead to a dry fire, or a broken shaft upon release.