Trader's Glossary

SpringWyckoff Spring

A false breakdown below a trading range that traps shorts before the markup phase begins. Counterpart on the upside is the Upthrust.

A Spring is the Phase C event in Wyckoff Accumulation — a false breakdown below an established trading range, designed to trigger sell-stops and trap shorts. The Spring wick is followed by an immediate reclaim back inside the range and a strong move higher (markup phase D).

Classic entry on a Spring: enter on the close of the Spring candle (aggressive) or wait for the Last Point of Support retest (conservative). Stops go below the Spring wick. Targets project the full range height upward — typical Wyckoff Springs deliver 1:4 R:R or better.