Trading is risky, and most day traders lose money. Ross's results are not typical. All information provided is for educational purposes and is not investment advice or buy/sell recommendations. Read our full disclaimer.

Warrior Trading Blog

The Simple Scalping Strategy for Day Trading

Hey everyone, Ross Cameron here! Today, I’m going to share a simple scalping strategy that I use in my trading to profit from daily market volatility. This strategy focuses on short-term bursts of activity, and I primarily use 5-minute and 1-minute timeframes, occasionally supplementing with a 10-second chart. The goal is to keep it simple and straightforward, so let’s dive in!

Understanding Scalping

Scalping is a fast-paced day trading strategy where traders aim to capitalize on short-duration price movements. This method is all about quick trades, getting in and out swiftly to secure small but frequent profits. While scalping has its pros and cons, it’s a high-accuracy strategy when executed correctly.

Pros of Scalping:

  1. You’re never married to a position; you can exit whenever things don’t look right
  2. High accuracy potential can boost confidence

Cons of Scalping:

  1. Commissions and fees can add up due to frequent trading
  2. Small average winners might lead to an inverted profit-to-loss ratio if not managed well

Tools and Skills Required for Scalping

For successful scalping, you need the right tools and skills:

Essential Tools:

  • Real-time volatility software: I use the Day Trade Dash Scanners.
  • Level two market data access.
  • Simple and advanced hotkeys for quick order execution.
  • Analytics software like TraderView for performance analysis.

Required Skills:

  • A basic understanding of day trading.
  • Proficiency in using stock scanners.
  • Mastering reading level two and time in sales.
  • Strong discipline to follow trading rules and cut losses quickly.

Steps to Begin Scalping

Here’s a step-by-step guide to start scalping:

1. Finding a Volatile Stock:

  • Look for a stock with at least five times its average relative volume.
  • Ensure the stock is up at least 10% on the day.
  • Prefer stocks priced between $1 and $20, with a float of less than 10 million shares.

2. Identifying the Catalyst:

  • Ensure the stock has a catalyst like earnings reports, FDA approvals, or new contracts.
  • Check if the stock fits within a hot sector or has any multiplying factors like being a recent IPO.

Technical Analysis for Scalping

Analyzing stock movements is key for finding good entry and exit points while managing risk.

Common Scalping Patterns:

  1. First Pullback: Look for the first candle to make a new high after a pullback.
  2. Micro Pullback: Identify small pullbacks during a broader movement upward.
  3. Half-Dollar and Whole-Dollar Entries: Use psychological levels as entry points.

When you analyze stocks, always consider the risk-to-reward ratio. If a trade doesn’t have the potential to go up significantly, it might not be worth it.

Case Study: ZAPP Trades

In one of my recent trading days, I focused on ZAPP. The stock saw a phenomenal move, going up over 100%. Here’s a quick overview of the trades:

Key Trades:

  • I took advantage of multiple pullbacks and micro pullbacks.
  • Used tight stops to manage risk effectively.
  • Avoided overstaying my welcome when the stock stopped moving favorably.

By focusing on these key trading patterns and sticking to the rules, I managed a successful trading day with a gain of over $10k! (Results not typical.)

Types of Scalping Strategies

Two primary scalping strategies I use are breakout trading and momentum trading.

1. Breakout Trading: Anticipate and trade ahead of breakouts, riding the surge of volume as the price spikes.

2. Momentum Trading: Follow the trend and trade in the direction of the price movement, using pullbacks for entry points.

Identifying Patterns in Real-Time

Using level two and time in sales data is crucial for identifying big buyers and sellers and recognizing breakouts and pullbacks. You want to look for strong entry indicators like large buy orders or a sequence of green candles.

Managing Trades and Risk

Risk management is key to successful day trading. Set tight stops, know when to exit, and avoid overtrading. If a stock’s movement isn’t favorable, step away and look for better opportunities.

Scalping Strategy Rules and Guidelines

Rules to Follow:

  • Use clear entry and exit indicators.
  • Manage risk and account for potential slippage.
  • Don’t overstay in trades or go against the trend.

By following these rules, I have been able to maintain consistency and discipline in your trading strategy.

Analyzing Performance Metrics

Tracking and analyzing your performance metrics is important for continuous improvement. Focus on your accuracy percentage, average winners vs. average losers, and your profit-to-loss ratios. Using tools like TraderView can help you gain insights into your trades.

Final Notes

Scalping can be a highly effective day trading strategy, but it requires practice and patience. Always start by practicing in a simulator before trading with real money. Remember, my results are not typical, and trading carries significant risk. Stay disciplined, follow the rules, and I’ll see you in the markets!

Happy trading!

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Warrior Trading was founded by Ross Cameron in 2012 and is now a thriving community of thousands of traders. You can learn more about joining the Warrior Trading community here

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Disclaimer: The results shared are based on my personal trading experiences and are not typical. Trading involves significant risk, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always practice in a simulator before trading with real money.