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Wyckoff Method → Structure Events

Wyckoff Events Explained — Springs, UTAD, SOW, SOS

Wyckoff Method8 min read2026-03-08

Springs, Upthrusts After Distribution, Signs of Weakness, and Signs of Strength are the critical events that confirm institutional positioning. Here's how to read each one.

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🔵1. Spring (Accumulation Trap)

Price dips below support, takes liquidity, and aggressively reclaims the level.

Key characteristics:

  • Sharp wick
  • Immediate reclaim
  • Stop-hunt behavior

ICT equivalent: Sell-side Liquidity Sweep

🟣2. Test (Confirmation)

After a Spring, price returns with a shallow test.

Key characteristics:

  • Low volume
  • Higher low
  • Confirms Spring was valid

ICT equivalent: MSS confirmation + retracement

🔴3. Upthrust & UTAD (Distribution Trap)

The bearish version of a Spring.

Key characteristics:

  • Break above range
  • Aggressive rejection
  • Trap liquidity above highs

ICT equivalent: Buy-side Liquidity Sweep

🟡4. SOW (Sign of Weakness)

Strong downward move confirming distribution.

Key characteristics:

  • Aggressive displacement
  • FVG formation
  • Weak retracement
  • Structural breakdown

🟢5. LPS (Last Point of Support)

A clean retest that confirms accumulation.

Key characteristics:

  • Higher low
  • Low-volume pullback
  • Trending continuation

ICT equivalent: Retracement into discount after displacement

How Wyckoff Events Align With ICT

Together, they tell the full story of market structure.

Key characteristics:

  • Spring → SSL Sweep
  • UTAD → BSL Sweep
  • Test → MSS Confirmation
  • Phase D Expansion → Displacement + FVG
  • Cause → Effect Cycle → Premium/Discount Logic

Educational use: This article is designed to help you understand structure, timing, psychology, journaling, and review workflows. It is not financial advice, and trading still involves meaningful risk.

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