Break through the upper rail of the descending channel and then fall back to test the original resistance to become support?

After breaking out of a descending channel, crypto prices often retest the former resistance level, which can signal a valid bullish shift if support holds.

Jul 03, 2025 at 05:22 am

Understanding the Descending Channel in Cryptocurrency Trading

In technical analysis, a descending channel is formed when price action creates a series of lower highs and lower lows within two parallel trendlines. The upper rail acts as resistance, while the lower rail serves as support. Traders often monitor these channels to identify potential breakouts or continuation patterns. In the cryptocurrency market, where volatility is high, such formations are common across various timeframes.

The concept of breaking through the upper rail and then falling back can be confusing for novice traders. It involves not only identifying the structure of the channel but also interpreting how price reacts after breaking out. This reaction often determines whether the breakout is genuine or a false signal.

A descending channel breakdown typically occurs when the price closes above the upper trendline after multiple touches. However, this does not always guarantee a bullish reversal.

What Happens After Breaking the Upper Rail?

Once the price breaks above the upper rail of a descending channel, it signals that buyers have temporarily overpowered sellers. This move may attract new buyers who perceive the asset as entering a new phase of accumulation. However, in many cases, especially in crypto markets, the breakout might not hold due to profit-taking or lack of sustained buying pressure.

After the initial breakout, the price often retraces to test the broken resistance level. If this level holds as support during the pullback, it confirms the validity of the breakout. This behavior is known as a retest of former resistance, and it plays a crucial role in confirming the strength of the new trend.

• Price rises above the upper rail with increased volume
• Traders enter long positions expecting further upside
• A pullback occurs, testing the previous resistance line
• If the price bounces off this level, it reinforces the new support zone

How to Identify a Valid Breakout from a Descending Channel

Not all breakouts are created equal. Many times, especially in volatile crypto assets, fakeouts occur where the price briefly pierces the upper rail before reversing. To avoid being misled, traders should look for specific confirmation criteria:

• Volume increase during the breakout – A surge in volume indicates strong participation
• Candlestick close beyond the upper rail – Avoid relying on intrabar spikes alone
• Retest of the upper rail as support – This provides a second entry opportunity
• Breakout occurs near key support levels or aligns with positive fundamentals

Failure to meet these conditions increases the likelihood of a false breakout. Therefore, waiting for a retest before entering a trade can improve risk-reward ratios.

Why Does Former Resistance Become Support?

Psychologically, when a resistance level is broken, it changes the perception of market participants. Traders who previously sold at that level may now view it as a favorable entry point if the price revisits it. Additionally, those who missed the initial rally may use the retest as an opportunity to buy.

This shift in sentiment transforms the old resistance into a new psychological support level. In crypto trading, where crowd psychology heavily influences price movements, this phenomenon is frequently observed after major breakouts.

• Market participants remember the prior resistance level
• New buyers anticipate a bounce from that area
• Orders cluster around the retested level
• Price action shows hesitation or reversal at the retest zone

Trading Strategies Based on Retests in Crypto Markets

Experienced traders use the retest of former resistance as a strategic entry point. Instead of chasing the initial breakout, they wait for the price to return and confirm the new trend. This approach allows for tighter stop-loss placements and better-defined risk parameters.

To execute this strategy effectively:

• Identify the original descending channel and its upper rail
• Wait for a confirmed breakout with volume
• Monitor for a pullback toward the broken resistance
• Enter a long position when the price shows signs of bouncing
• Place a stop loss below the retested level

It’s essential to combine this method with other tools like moving averages or RSI to filter out weak setups and enhance accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a retest fail after a breakout from a descending channel?

Yes, even after a valid breakout, the retest can fail. This usually happens when there's no real buying interest and the market lacks momentum. False retests are common in low-liquidity cryptocurrencies.

Q: How long can a retest last in crypto charts?

The duration varies depending on the timeframe. On daily charts, a retest may take several days, while on hourly charts, it could complete within hours. There's no fixed time, but patience is key.

Q: Should I enter during the breakout or wait for the retest?

Many traders prefer waiting for the retest to avoid false signals. Entering during the breakout carries more risk, especially without volume confirmation.

Q: Is the concept of former resistance becoming support applicable to all cryptocurrencies?

While this principle applies broadly, its effectiveness may vary. Major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum tend to respect such patterns more than smaller altcoins due to higher liquidity and broader adoption.