Swing trading in crypto: how to catch the waves between sprinting and marathoning

What is it all about and who is it suitable for

If trading were a sport, swing trading would be neither a sprint nor a marathon, but something in between. A trader holds a position for several days to two weeks, catching trends that last longer than hours but not as long as long-term investments.

This is the perfect option for those who want to actively participate in market movements but are not ready to sit in front of the screen all day. Instead of chasing microscopic price fluctuations, you catch the big waves – those movements where serious money can be made.

Swing trading strategies are based on a simple logic: enter a position at the beginning of a trend and exit before a reversal. Sounds simple? In practice, it requires consistency, patience, and a clear plan.

How it works in practice

The mechanics of swing trading are based on the analysis of medium-term charts. Traders typically look at 4-hour and daily timeframes to identify sustained trends.

Suppose Bitcoin breaks through the resistance level and starts an upward movement. A swing trader sees this, enters a position, and holds it for several days until the momentum fades. Then it's time to exit and look for a new trend.

The entire process requires preliminary preparation:

• Entry and exit points are determined before opening a position.
• Stop-loss levels are set to protect capital
• Trading bots and alerts are often used to not miss the right moment.

Instead of instant solutions like scalpers, here you have time to think, analyze the situation, take into account fundamental factors — project updates, macroeconomic news, etc.

The difference from day trading: time matters

The main difference is one — how long you hold a position.

A day trader closes all positions within a single day, often within minutes. Their chart consists of 1-minute, 5-minute, and at most 30-minute candles. Constant monitoring and instant decisions are required.

Swing traders operate more slowly. Positions last for days and weeks, with analysis conducted on 4-hour and daily charts. This is less stressful but requires more planning.

For beginners, swing trading is often easier to master. Fewer trades, more time for reflection, a less stressful process. Day trading can be more profitable but requires experience and full concentration.

Key approaches that work

Following the trend

You identify a clear upward or downward trend and trade in its direction. If Bitcoin shows a series of higher highs and higher lows, you buy on pullbacks, following the main direction.

Bounces from levels

The price loves to dance around strong levels of supply and demand. When Solana bounces off a solid minimum and forms bullish candles, it is a signal to enter a long position. The target level is the next resistance above.

Moving Averages Intersections

When the short-term moving average (, for example, the 9-day ) crosses the long-term ( 20-day ), it often indicates the beginning of a new trend. Such moments serve as signals to enter.

Exit from consolidation

The asset has been trading in a sideways range for a long time and then suddenly breaks through the resistance level on high volumes. This is a classic signal — a multi-day trend begins, and the swing trader is ready to catch this wave.

What you need to trade

You don't need professional systems for micro trading, but a minimum set of tools is essential:

Charts and Analytics — use specialized platforms to track trends and indicators on the desired timeframes. Four-hour and daily candles are your main focus.

Reliable trading platform — choose a platform with good liquidity, low fees, and an adequate level of security. Here, quality matters.

Technical indicators — RSI, MACD, moving averages, Bollinger Bands, volumes. This is your toolkit for reading the market.

News Monitoring — keep an eye on major projects and macroeconomic shifts. An unexpected news item can reverse the entire market.

Strict risk management — always set stop-losses. The optimal risk-to-reward ratio is at least 1:3, and preferably even higher.

Advantages: why it works

• Less time-consuming than scalping. No need to sit in the chat for 8 hours straight.
• Good earning potential per trade. Big waves = big profits.
• Fewer trades, lower fees. And more time for quality analysis of each.
• Flexible schedule. Can be combined with a main job.

Disadvantages: what you will have to consider

• Night Gaps and Weekends. The price can jump sharply while you're sleeping.
• Patience is required. Sometimes you have to wait a week for the right moment.
• Emotions betray. The temptation to close a deal prematurely or panic during pullbacks is always present.
• Crypto Volatility. The market can reverse even within a trend. Cryptocurrency movements are often unpredictable.

Will this suit you if you are a beginner

Yes, swing trading strategies are one of the most accessible strategies for beginners, especially if you already understand the basic principles of charts and indicators.

The advantage is that you do not have to make decisions in a split second. You have time to think about your position, find entry and exit points, and prepare risk management. At the same time, you remain an active market player with regular trades.

Practical tips for beginners:

Start with small amounts. Get used to the rhythm of trading for a few weeks before increasing volumes.

Use clear stop-losses. This is your safety cushion. Without it, one bad trade can ruin the entire account.

Keep a journal. Record every trade, what worked, what didn't, your thoughts and mistakes. Over time, you will see patterns.

Start with large coins — BTC, ETH, SOL. They are more volatile than other assets, but easier to analyze due to clear trends and good liquidity.

Final Thought

Swing trading in crypto is a balance between active trading and a reasonable lifestyle. You don't trade all day long, but you also don't wait for months for profits. Focusing on technical analysis, news, and clear risk management is the recipe that works. If you are ready to learn and not miss trends, this strategy can become yours.