Who this entry is for — The upside trap that mirrors the spring: it breaks the range high, attracts buyers, then falls back — a sign demand is exhausted.
Source: Wyckoff Analytics; Wyckoff Schematics (Pruden, MTA 2006).
Prerequisites
Spring (symmetric), Distribution phases A–E (phase C).
Definition
In plain terms — The stock clears range resistance, appears to restart — then closes back inside the box. Breakout traders buy; large operators sell them their shares at high prices.
UTAD (Upthrust After Distribution) is the distributional counterpart to the spring:
- A move above the TR resistance in phase C
- A quick return into the range
- A bull trap — it looks like an uptrend resumption, but markdown begins
- The definitive test of demand after distribution
UT vs UTAD
| UT (Upthrust) | UTAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Can appear in phase B or C | Late, distribution phase C |
| Role | Supply test | Definitive post-distribution test |
| Analogy | — | Spring «on steroids» |
An ST in distribution can take the form of a UT — a spike above BC/resistance before reversing.
Volume reading
| Response | Reading |
|---|---|
| High volume on the break, close inside the range | Demand absorbed — valid UTAD |
| Sustained breakout + volume | Possible false UTAD — caution |
| UTAD + SOW | Strong short-bias confirmation |
Caution — A UTAD is **not required** (like the spring). Distribution schematic #2 can proceed without one. Aggressive shorts on the UTAD risk repeated stops — often safer to wait for phase D + LPSY.
Symmetric
Spring in accumulation.
Summary card
| Abbr. | UTAD |
| Phase | C (distribution) |
| Symmetric | Spring |
| Confirmation | SOW + LPSY |