Bearish Kicking
Bearish Kicking
A bullish marubozu is followed by a gap down and a bearish marubozu, marking a sharp sentiment shift from buyers to sellers.
30-second summary
What does it signal?
Bearish Kicking near the end of an uptrend can signal a potential reversal — buyers had control, but sellers abruptly took over.
When is it reliable?
At a strong resistance level, with above-average volume and a confirming red candle in the next period.
When to avoid it?
In sideways markets and on very short time frames such as 1-minute or 5-minute charts, where noise is too high and the signal loses statistical value.
Pattern in chart context
The chart shows the typical appearance of the Bearish Kicking pattern within a price action context. The highlighted area marks the pattern itself. Data is illustrative.
Market psychology — in 3 steps
Uptrend holds
Several candles print higher highs and higher lows. Buyers control the market, and sentiment remains positive.
Bearish Kicking forms
Buying pressure fades, and sellers return with force. The gap down and bearish marubozu show an abrupt shift toward downside pressure.
Confirmation arrives
The next candle closes with a red body, ideally on high volume. Sentiment has turned, and a new downtrend may begin.
Description
Bearish Kicking is the mirror image of Bullish Kicking. It consists of two marubozu candles: the first is a large green candle showing buyer dominance, and the second is a large red candle showing seller dominance, with a clear gap down between them. The market has abruptly rejected the prior bullish tone. This pattern often forms after negative news, earnings disappointment, or a macro-driven shift in sentiment.
Context of appearance
Bearish Kicking usually appears after negative news, weak earnings, or a macro shift. It is rare, but when confirmed, it can send a strong bearish signal.
Identification rules
- ✓ Both candles are marubozu candles, with no wicks or only minimal wicks
- ✓ The gap between the two candles is at least 10% of the candle body
- ✓ Volume is high on both candles
- ✓ The pattern is valid at the end of both uptrends and downtrends
- ✓ It usually forms after news or another important market event
Trading strategy
For a short CFD setup, entry comes after the second marubozu closes. Stop-loss goes above the upper edge of the gap. Take-profit can be placed at a 3:1 risk/reward ratio.
⚠️ For educational purposes only. Trading based solely on candlestick patterns is not advisable — always combine them with other technical analysis tools, support/resistance levels, and risk management.
Candle anatomy
- 01 First candle: bullish marubozu — large green body with little to no wick
- 02 Second candle: bearish marubozu — large red body with little to no wick
- 03 Clear downward gap between the two candles
- 04 The trend direction matters less than the dramatic change in sentiment
Same shape, opposite meaning
The Bearish Kicking and the Bullish Kicking look visually identical. The difference lies in context — if you mistake one for the other, you enter in the opposite direction.
Bearish Kicking
Bearish Kicking
Bullish Kicking
Bullish Kicking
💡 The lesson: the candle shape alone is never enough — always read the trend first, then the pattern.
Most common mistakes
Ignoring context
Bearish Kicking has the clearest reversal meaning near the end of an uptrend. In a sideways market or an existing downtrend, the message changes — read the trend first.
Entering immediately after the pattern closes
The pattern itself is not always an entry trigger. Waiting for a confirming red candle close filters out more false signals.
Using too short a time frame
On 5-minute candles, most reversal patterns are noise. Daily and 4-hour charts tend to produce cleaner signals.
Ignoring volume
Bearish Kicking on low volume is a weak signal. Above-average volume makes the bearish shift more credible. Always check the volume bar.
Quick self-test
Which one is the Bearish Kicking pattern?
A reversal signal near the end of an uptrend.
