Bad execution ruins a perfect setup. Seek highly-favorable conditions for trade entry or stay out of the market until they appear. Apply the right strategy when pulling the trigger and manage the position into a profitable exit.

The Execution Target (ET) defines where to buy or sell short. Promising setups point to this narrow price level through detailed S/R analysis, pattern recognition and evaluation of reward:risk considerations. Review all internal and external forces that might affect the opportunity before picking this important number. Keep in mind that the ET changes dynamically as new data supplements the prior analysis. A single tick may impact the calculated reward:risk and remove the position from consideration for execution.

The Execution Zone (EZ) stands between short-term price movement and the pre-chosen ET. It marks an attention boundary for impending entry. Shift your focus toward the ET when price penetrates the EZ. Draw this interface at a distance that allows sufficient time to examine whether or not to execute the setup if price hits the target. Use common sense to identify useful EZs. One simple method looks at recent volatility and measures an adequate fixed distance from the ET. Another locates the last intermediate S/R that price must break before reaching the ET and places it there.

Watch short-term chart and tape action closely as price moves through the EZ. Substantial evidence should appear to confirm the setup analysis and anticipated execution. Time, crowd and trend movement must all validate that the predicted reversal, breakout or fade will print as expected. Often a burst of activity on the time and sales ticker will supply all of the required confirmation. But keep in mind that some excellent signals require a lack of participation. For example, entry into a contracting Empty Zone interface offers a very narrow EZ and low-risk ET.

Choose to execute or stand aside when price strikes the ET. This important decision requires both skill and experience. The markets never provide enough information to make fully confident choices. All opportunities carry risk and limited odds for success. Even perfect trade setups will yield very bad positions under certain circumstances. So learn to think and act logically in this uncomfortable environment, and realize that pulling the trigger will never be easy.

Longer-term positions require less active time management. Execute setups as soon as price strikes predefined targets, and avoid the small details of a real-time screen. Rely on well-placed physical stops to enter the market rather than elusive EZs. But time and timing gain importance as holding period shortens and undivided attention becomes a vital element in every trade decision. The intraday chart takes precedence over the daily view for most short-term traders. Rely on it to confirm or refute the setup analysis and execution planning. When the real-time chart and tape action don't support the intended trade, pass it up and move on to the next opportunity.

Timing considerations adjust to the trader's personal strategy and filters. If you choose not to trade the first hour, any ETs hit during this time can't be considered in your planning. Overall market sentiment, events and volatility all affect the success of intraday executions. Always try to enter your positions in convergence with current market conditions. You can profit with a hot pick that's moving at its own pace. But timing your trades to the short-term market cycles will increase your % WIN dramatically, and build consistent risk management.