How to Find High-Probability Trading Entries Using the ICC Method
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· based on the channel SCI
Key takeaways
- ICC stands for Indication, Correction, Continuation — a three-phase framework for timing entries.
- Mark up higher-timeframe structure first: identify clear highs and lows that define the trend.
- Wait for a liquidity sweep of a key level before entering; the sweep is the 'indication'.
- The correction phase is your entry zone: a pullback into a discount or premium area.
- Continuation confirms the trade when price breaks the correction structure in your direction.
- Risk management is non-negotiable: define invalidation before entry and size positions accordingly.
Finding trading entries is the skill of waiting for a specific sequence — markup, liquidity sweep, correction, and continuation — rather than chasing price. The ICC method (Indication, Correction, Continuation) gives you a repeatable checklist to time entries with defined risk. For live examples and community discussion, check the Instagram page Trades by SCI, where the trader behind the course posts setups and updates.
What Is the ICC Method and Why It Works for Entries
The ICC method is a three-phase framework: Indication, Correction, Continuation. It works because it forces you to wait for the market to show its hand before you commit capital. In practice, you first mark up higher-timeframe structure to know the trend. Then you wait for a liquidity sweep — an 'indication' that smart money is active. The correction is the pullback that follows, and continuation is the break that confirms your entry. This sequence filters out random entries and keeps you on the side of the dominant order flow. Unlike indicator-based systems, ICC relies on price action and market structure, which are universal across forex, indices, and crypto. The method is taught in detail in SCI's Trading Course 003, and the community around it — often called ICC Mafia — shares markup examples daily.
Step 1: Mark Up Higher-Timeframe Structure
Marking up structure means identifying the swing highs and lows that define the current trend on your higher timeframe. Start on the daily or 4-hour chart and draw horizontal lines at the most recent significant highs and lows. These levels are where liquidity rests — stops from retail traders and pending orders from institutions. A clean markup shows you whether the market is making higher highs and higher lows (bullish) or lower highs and lower lows (bearish). Without this step, you have no context for your entries. The markup also reveals key zones like previous day high/low, weekly open, and session extremes. Keep it simple: fewer lines, higher quality. Many traders in the ICC community use XAUUSD as their primary chart because it respects these levels well.
Step 2: Wait for the Indication (Liquidity Sweep)
The indication is a liquidity sweep — a sharp move that takes out a key high or low and then reverses. This is the market's way of signaling that it has collected the orders it needed. For a bullish setup, you want to see price sweep a previous low, then quickly reclaim it. For a bearish setup, price sweeps a previous high and fails to hold above it. The sweep should be obvious on your markup: a wick through the level, followed by a strong close back inside the range. Avoid confusing a sweep with a genuine breakout; the difference is the follow-through. If price keeps going after taking the level, it's not a sweep — it's a trend continuation. Patience here is critical: most bad entries come from acting before the indication is complete.
Step 3: Enter on the Correction Phase
The correction is the pullback that occurs after the sweep, and it is your entry zone. Once the sweep is confirmed, wait for price to retrace into a discount area (for longs) or a premium area (for shorts). You can use Fibonacci retracement levels, previous structure, or an order block to define the zone. The key is to let price come to you rather than chasing. A common approach is to drop to a lower timeframe (15-minute or 5-minute) and look for a micro-structure shift that confirms the correction is ending. For example, after a sweep of a low, you might see a lower-timeframe higher low form inside your zone. That is your trigger. Set your stop loss below the sweep low (for longs) or above the sweep high (for shorts). This defines your risk precisely.
Step 4: Confirm with Continuation and Manage Risk
Continuation is the phase where price breaks the correction structure in your intended direction, confirming the trade. Once you are in, the continuation leg is where you manage the position. Move your stop to break-even after a 1:1 risk-reward move, and consider taking partial profits at the next higher-timeframe level. Risk management is what separates consistent traders from gamblers. A common rule is to risk no more than 1% of your account per trade. Position size is calculated from your stop distance. If the continuation fails and price closes back below your entry zone (for longs), exit immediately — the setup is invalidated. The ICC method is not about being right every time; it is about having a repeatable process with a positive expectancy.
Common Questions and Pitfalls When Finding Entries
New traders often struggle with the same issues: entering too early, moving stops, or over-leveraging. One frequent question is how to tell a sweep from a breakout. The answer is in the reaction: a sweep is rejected quickly, while a breakout holds and builds. Another pitfall is ignoring the higher-timeframe trend; counter-trend ICC setups have lower probability. Some traders also mark up too many levels, which creates confusion. Stick to the most obvious highs and lows. Finally, emotional trading after a loss can lead to revenge entries. The ICC framework helps because it gives you objective criteria: if the sequence is not complete, there is no trade. The SCI community often emphasizes that simplicity is the key — a clean markup and patience are enough.
Useful Links
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradesbysci
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/tradesbysci
- Trading platform: https://tinyurl.com/hideoutsci
- Discord: https://discord.gg/tradesbysci
- Telegram: https://t.me/iccmafia
Final Thoughts on Mastering Trading Entries
Mastering entries is a process of repetition and discipline. The ICC method — Indication, Correction, Continuation — provides a clear framework that you can apply to any market. Start by marking up structure, wait for the liquidity sweep, enter on the correction, and confirm with continuation. Always define your risk before you enter. The SCI channel and its Trading Course 003 break down these concepts with real examples, and the community is a valuable resource for feedback. For more setups and updates, follow Trades by SCI on Instagram. With consistent practice, you can turn entry timing from a guessing game into a repeatable skill.
Source: How I Find My Trading Entries | Trading Course 003 · Markdown version
Questions & answers
What does ICC stand for in trading?
ICC stands for Indication, Correction, Continuation. It is a three-phase framework for timing entries: first, a liquidity sweep indicates intent; second, a correction provides an entry zone; third, continuation confirms the move. This sequence helps traders avoid chasing price and enter with defined risk.
How do I know if a liquidity sweep is valid?
A valid sweep shows a sharp move through a key level followed by a quick rejection and close back inside the range. If price continues beyond the level without looking back, it is likely a genuine breakout, not a sweep. Volume and speed of the reversal can also help confirm.
Can I use the ICC method on any market?
Yes, ICC works on any liquid market, including forex, indices, commodities, and crypto. The principles of market structure and liquidity are universal. However, you should adjust your markup and risk parameters to the volatility of the specific asset, such as XAUUSD or major forex pairs.
What is the biggest mistake traders make when finding entries?
The biggest mistake is entering before the full ICC sequence completes, often out of fear of missing out. Other common errors include ignoring higher-timeframe trend, moving stop losses, and risking too much per trade. Sticking to a checklist and risking 1% or less per trade helps build consistency.