Zone Mapping Workbook

The structured process we use in every intensive — from blank chart to validated support zones with written trade criteria.

Six steps to a complete zone map

This workbook outline mirrors the exercises participants complete during our Advanced Support Zone Mapping Intensive. Use it to practise on your own charts or to preview the methodology before registering.

  1. Strip the chart to structure

    Remove all indicators, moving averages, and existing horizontal lines. Switch to a clean candlestick view on your primary timeframe — typically daily for swing readers or four-hour for shorter holds. You need an unobstructed view of price action before any zones can be marked.

  2. Mark swing lows with measurable reversals

    Identify points where price reversed upward by at least 1.5 times the average candle range over the last twenty bars. Circle each swing low. Do not mark every wick — focus on clear reversals where multiple candles confirm a direction change.

  3. Cluster adjacent swings into zones

    Group swing lows that fall within one average candle range of each other into a single zone band. Draw the zone as a shaded rectangle from the highest low to the lowest low within the cluster. A valid zone requires a minimum of two touches; three or more strengthens the level.

  4. Check higher timeframe alignment

    Move one timeframe level up — if you mapped on daily, check weekly; if on four-hour, check daily. A zone that aligns with a higher-timeframe swing low carries more weight. Note aligned zones with a distinct colour or label in your annotation key.

  5. Define invalidation and retest rules

    Write explicit rules: at what price does this zone fail? Typically, a daily close below the zone floor invalidates it. For entries, specify whether you require a retest after initial touch or allow first-touch entries with tighter stops. Document these rules before any trade decision.

  6. Size relative to zone width

    Calculate position size based on the distance from entry to invalidation point. A wider zone demands a smaller position if you maintain consistent risk per trade. Record the zone width, stop distance, and resulting position size in your trade plan template.

Annotation key we recommend

Active zone

Shaded band with minimum two confirmed touches. Label with date of most recent touch and touch count.

Aligned zone

Same as active, plus a marker noting the higher-timeframe swing it aligns with.

Invalidated zone

Cross-hatched band with the date and closing price that triggered invalidation. Keep on chart for reference.

Want guided practice with instructor feedback?

The full printed workbook with chart templates is included in our Zone Mapping Intensive and available as part of foundation-to-intensive bundles.

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