During an Elliott Wave correction pattern the price takes a long time to do absolutely nothing!
Correction patterns are hard to track, but these patterns do follow rules.
Here they are:
Elliott Wave Correction Rules and Characteristics.
Rule 1: Wave 2 correction must not retrace more than 100% of wave 1.
Rule 2: Wave 4 must not cross into the price territory of wave 1 in an impulse wave, but Wave 4 can overlap wave 1 in a leading or ending diagonal wave.
Rule 3: Wave alteration - If wave 2 is a deep correction - then wave 4 will be shallow.
Rule 4: Wave 2 will bottom in the price territory of the previous 4th wave of one lower degree.
Rule 5: Corrections are always fully retraced by the resuming impulsive trend.
Here's the thing;
If you follow the rules and guidelines of Elliott wave patterns.
You will be able to forecast the timing and possible price targets, where the market could turn into a new trend.
In total there are 13 major Elliott wave patterns.
I'm going to show you how to identify, and navigate them using the Elliott wave rules, in this guide.
Here's the four types of Elliott Wave Corrective Patterns:
1: ABC ZIGZAG correction wave - 5,3,5 internal wave form.
2: ABC FLAT corrections - 3,3,5 internal wave form, regular and irregular types.
3: TRIANGLE ABCDE corrections - 3,3,3,3,3 internal wave form.
4: COMBINATION corrections - additive structure made from multiple simple corrections.
ABC Correction Rules: 'ZIGZAG' (5-3-5)
A simple three-wave correction pattern labeled A-B-C, also called a ZIGZAG correction.
The ABC correction wave is the simplest of all Elliott wave correction patterns.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for ABC corrections:
- The ABC correction pattern subdivides into 5-3-5 internal wave pattern.
- Waves A and C tend towards equality in length.
- The ABC correction wave usually appears in the position of wave '2'.
- An ABC correction wave will usually target the 61.8% retracement of the trend move.
Using these guidelines, you can estimate a possible ending point to wave C using the length of wave A.
When the structure is complete and wave C has come to an end, A trader can place an order at the end of wave B, expecting the price to turn back into trend again.
Simple ZIGZAG
Double ZIGZAG
This is a more complex version of the simple zigzag, the double zigzag forms when two separate simple zigzags come together to form the larger structure.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for double zigzag corrections:
- The WXY correction pattern subdivides into 3-3-3 internal wave pattern.
- Waves W and Y tend towards equality in length.
- The WXY correction wave usually appears in the position of wave '4' or wave 'B'.
Using these guidelines, you can estimate a possible ending point to wave Y using the length of wave W.
The notation is changed to differentiate the complex version from the simple form.
To take advantage of this Elliott wave pattern a trader will use the same approach as the simple zigzag, by placing an order at the end of wave (x), and when the price turns back into the trend again you will catch the resuming trend.
ABC FLAT correction patterns (3-3-5)
An ABC flat correction differs from a zigzag in that the wave form traces out a 3-3-5 wave form, in general ABC flat corrections retrace less than zigzags.
The more powerful the underlying trend, the shorter the flat correction tends to be.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for ABC Flat corrections:
- The flat correction pattern subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
- Waves C tends towards 100% the length of wave A.
- The flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
- An flat correction wave will usually target the 50%% retracement level of the previous move.
Using these guidelines, you can estimate a possible ending point to wave C using the length of wave A.
Again, the trader can use the end of wave 'b' to enter the market and catch the resumption of the trend move.
Simple Elliott wave flat
Expanded flat Elliott wave correction.
The expanding flat Elliott wave pattern takes the same internal form as the normal flat correction pattern.
The only difference being that the end of wave 'b' will travel past the beginning of wave 'a',
and the end of wave 'c', will travel past the end of wave 'a'.
This causes an expanding range in the flat pattern, which increases the overall distance traveled by the structure.
This pattern is also called an irregular flat correction.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for ABC expanded Flat corrections:
- The expanded flat correction pattern subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
- Waves C tends towards 162% the length of wave A.
- The flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
- An flat correction wave will usually target the 50%% retracement level of the previous move.
A trader can use the starting point of wave 'a' to enter a trade,
with the aim of catching the market as it re-enters the trend move again.
Running flat Elliott wave correction.
The running flat Elliott wave pattern also has an internal 3,3,5 wave form similar to the normal flat correction pattern.
This classifies the pattern as a flat correction.
The big difference between a running flat and a normal flat correction,
is that wave 'b' will retrace more than 100% of wave 'a'.
And then, wave 'c' will fail to retrace 100% of wave 'a'.
So, a running flat will complete in the direction of the larger trend.
In an uptrend wave 'c' will create a higher low.
And in a down trend, wave 'c' will create a lower high.
As shown in the image below.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for running Flat corrections:
- A running flat correction subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
- Wave 'B' breaks the beginning of wave 'A'.
- Waves C tends towards 100% the length of wave A and will not break the low of wave 'A'.
- The running flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
Again, a trader can use the starting point of wave 'a' to enter a trade, with the aim of catching the market as it re-enters the trend move again.
Although a running flat is one of the trickiest patterns to call as it develops.
HORIZONTAL TRIANGLES, ABCDE patterns.
Here are the rules and guidelines for triangle waves:
- Elliott wave triangles are overlapping five wave corrections labeled ABCDE.
- Triangle waves usually contract the range of price action from beginning to end.
- Each internal wave takes a three wave form, and the triangle subdivides into a 3-3-3-3-3 pattern.
- An ABCDE pattern causes a sideways movement that is usually associated with decreasing volume and volatility.
- Elliott wave triangle waves usually occur in the position of wave B or wave 4 of the larger pattern.
- A triangle wave is usually the penultimate move in the larger Elliott wave pattern and leads to an explosive move back into the larger trend.
Contracting triangle
The contracting triangle is a horizontal contraction in range of the price.
- An Elliott wave triangle traces out five internal moves each of three waves.
- The distance traveled by each subsequent wave reduces in length.
- This has the effect of contracting the range of the wave, hence the name!
A low risk trade can be placed at the end of wave 'e' with the idea of catching the market as it turns back into the trend.
Descending triangle
A descending triangle usually appears in a downtrend.
The lower bound of this Elliott wave triangle pattern holds in a flat line while the top trend line drops as usual, and the overall range of prices contracts.
A low risk trade can be placed at the end of wave 'e' with the idea of catching the market as it turns back into the trend.
Ascending triangle
The ascending triangle usually appears in an uptrend.
The upper bounding trend line of this Elliott wave triangle pattern holds in a flat line and the lower trend line rises, and the overall range of prices contracts into wave 'e'.
Again, the same strategy applies, a low risk trade can be placed at the end of wave 'e' with the idea of catching the market as it turns back into the trend.
Expanding triangle
An Elliott wave expanding triangle appears in both downtrends and up-trends.
The top trend line rises and the bottom trend line falls, and the overall range of prices expands into wave 'e'.
This time the end of wave 'b' of the Elliott wave triangle is used to place a trend trade.
COMBINATION CORRECTIONS - double and triple 3.
A Elliott wave double or triple three combination, is a corrective Elliott wave pattern.
It happens when simpler wave forms stick together to form a larger structure.
For the most part, double threes and triple threes are horizontal in character.
There is never more than one zigzag in a combination wave, also there is never more than one Elliott wave triangle.
All of the Elliott wave patterns shown above take the same form whether the trend is rising or falling, in a falling trend, the image is simply inverted.
The best way to enter a trade off a combination structure is to place an order at the end of wave 'x' and if the market crosses this point, it is likely that the trend has resumed and you can ride that trend until its completion.
Remember;
Correction patterns are simply a pause within the larger operating trend.
When corrections come to an end, prices usually explode back in the direct of the larger trend.
Knowing how to tell a corrective wave pattern in the market from a trend wave, will help you hold a position open for longer when you are riding a trend,
And it will help you enter the market at the correct time with low, and defined risk levels.
If you master Elliott wave correction patterns, you will be able to get in at the ground floor and ride the trend until the end!
Elliott wave time analysis:
In the following video I go through how to identify if a trend or correction is 'mature' or not.
The reason being;
When a trend is mature, it is time to look for a signal that the market is going to move back in the direction of the larger trend.
This can be done using timing analysis along with elliott wave pattern analysis to figure out the most likely area for a reversal to occur.
I know what your thinking!
" How do the Elliott wave rules of corrections help my trading? "
Here's one recent example, of how a completed correction led to a MASSIVE price move.
And how a good knowledge of Elliott wave correction rules and market timing helped us catch a 1200 point move!
CRUDE oil: Elliott wave analysis 10/26/17
On OCT 26th,
I saw a complete Elliott wave contracting triangle pattern in wave 'B' in CRUDE oil,
A completed correction suggested a larger rally dead ahead in CRUDE!
HERE IS the analysis, BLOW BY BLOW!
In my daily update on CRUDE oil,
The wave count was clear, and the potential for a huge rally was large.
Here's what I said!
"The current wave count sits at a very pivotal point 'in the price structure.
With a possible third of a third wave up, on the cards over the next few weeks."
Heres the chart from that day:
The wave count was calling for wave (C) to rally higher, out of a completed Elliott wave triangle (B) wave pattern.
The price stood at 52.42 at the close that day,
And the initial target for wave (C) was set at 63.00,
which is an expected rally of 1100 points on offer,
and the Elliott wave pattern was clear!
"Watch for a short decline to complete wave (ii) grey.
At that point look for a bullish break of the wave (i) high to confirm wave (iii)."
Here's What happened next:
Over the following 10 weeks,
A textbook five wave rally in wave (C) carried the market 1200 points higher,
to three year highs!
As this example shows,
Knowing when a corrective Elliott wave pattern is complete,
can increase your chances of catching the next trend move by a huge margin.
If you understand the Elliott wave rules and guidelines for corrective patterns, you can use that knowledge to increase your chances of a successful trade when the correction ends.
And that is why Elliott wave patterns are so important to understand.
Download this Guide to Correction Patterns:
If you want to know more about trading with Elliott wave signals,
check out this guide:
How to use Elliott wave patterns in trading:
Rule 1: Wave 2 correction must not retrace more than 100% of wave 1.
Rule 2: Wave 4 must not cross into the price territory of wave 1 in an impulse wave, but Wave 4 can overlap wave 1 in a leading or ending diagonal wave.
Rule 3: Wave alteration - If wave 2 is a deep correction - then wave 4 will be shallow.
Rule 4: Wave 2 will bottom in the price territory of the previous 4th wave of one lower degree.
Rule 5: Corrections are always fully retraced by the resuming impulsive trend.
An Elliott wave zigzag correction is the simplest form of correction.
The pattern breaks into a 5,3,5 internal structure.
A zigzag correction usually creates retraces the largest amount of the previous trend move.
An ABC flat correction differs from a zigzag in that the wave form traces out a 3-3-5 internal wave structure.
In general ABC flat corrections retrace less than zigzags usually completing above the 50% retracement level.
The more powerful the underlying trend, the shorter the flat correction tends to be.
The flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
Using these guidelines, you can estimate a possible ending point to the flat correction. 
The expanded flat Elliott wave pattern takes the same internal structural form as the normal flat correction pattern in that it breaks into a 335 pattern.
The big difference between the two types of flat correction is that in an expanded flat, the end of wave 'b' will travel past the beginning of wave 'a',
and the end of wave 'c', will travel past the end of wave 'a'.
This causes an expanding range in the flat pattern, which increases the overall distance traveled by the structure.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for ABC expanded Flat corrections:
1: The expanded flat correction pattern subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
2: Waves C tends towards 162% the length of wave A.
3: The flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
4: A flat correction wave will usually retrace about 50% of the previous move.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for ABC Flat corrections:
1: The flat correction pattern subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
2: Waves C tends towards 100% the length of wave A.
3: The flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
4: A flat correction wave will usually target the 50% level of the previous move.
An Elliott wave irregular correction refers to a flat correction that has failed to complete a normal pattern, it is also called an Elliott wave running correction.
The irregular or running flat Elliott wave pattern has an internal 3,3,5 wave form similar to the normal flat correction pattern.
This classifies the pattern as a flat correction.
The big difference between a running flat and a normal flat correction,
is that wave 'b' will retrace more than 100% of wave 'a'.
And then, wave 'c' will fail to retrace 100% of wave 'a'.
With this failure in wave 'c' an irregular correction will complete in the direction of the larger trend.
In an uptrend wave 'c' will create a higher low.
And in a down trend, wave 'c' will create a lower high.
As shown in the image below.
Here are the main Elliott wave rules for running Flat corrections:
1: A running flat correction subdivides into 3-3-5 internal wave pattern.
2: Wave 'B' breaks the beginning of wave 'A'.
3: Waves C tends towards 100% the length of wave A and will not break the low of wave 'A'.
4: The running flat correction wave can appear in any corrective position.
A typical target area for an Elliott wave correction is 50% of the preceding impulsive move.
This is a common rule of thumb for what to expect in a correction.
But Correction targets can vary wildly in how much of the advance that they retrace.
Usually a zigzag 5,3,5 correction will retrace deeper into the trend move than a flat correction.
Fibonacci analysis is very helpful in finding targets for a correction.
Elliott wave double or triple three corrections are corrective structures known as combination corrections.
It happens when simpler wave forms stick together to form a larger more complicated structure.
These types of correction occur quite often and for the most part, double threes and triple threes are horizontal in nature.
A combination wave will tend to delay the action and cause a trading range appear.
There is never more than one zigzag in a combination wave, also there is never more than one Elliott wave triangle in a combination.
A combination correction can also called an Elliott wave complex correction or an Elliott wave wxy correction.
1: ABC ZIGZAG correction wave - 5,3,5 internal wave form.
2: ABC FLAT corrections - 3,3,5 internal wave form, regular and irregular types.
3: TRIANGLE ABCDE corrections - 3,3,3,3,3 internal wave form.
4: COMBINATION corrections - additive structure made from multiple simple corrections.
The Elliott wave abc correction is a three wave pattern that causes a pause against the movement of price in one direction.
The abc correction can break into a number of different internal patterns the main ones are the simple zigzag 535 pattern and the flat 335 correction.
A diagonal triangle correction is also known as an abcde correction and they can trace out four different forms, the contracting triangle, the expanding triangle, the ascending triangle and the descending triangle.
The triangle usually causes a horizontal contraction in range of the price.
An Elliott wave triangle traces out five internal moves each of three waves.
The distance traveled by each subsequent wave reduces in length.
This has the effect of contracting the range of the wave, hence the name!
Here are the rules and guidelines for triangle waves:
1: Elliott wave triangles are overlapping five wave corrections labeled ABCDE.
2: Triangle waves usually contract the range of price action from beginning to end.
3: Each internal wave takes a three wave form, and the triangle subdivides into a 3-3-3-3-3 pattern.
4: An ABCDE pattern causes a sideways movement that is usually associated with decreasing volume and volatility.
5: Elliott wave triangle waves usually occur in the position of wave B or wave 4 of the larger pattern.
4: A triangle wave is usually the penultimate move in the larger Elliott wave pattern and leads to an explosive move back into the larger trend. 
A wave 4 correction occurs as the penultimate move in a regular five wave impulse pattern.
Wave '4' is usually a sideways ranging pattern like a combination correction or a triangle correction.
Wave '4' will usually alternate in form to the previous wave 2 correction so they do not take the same form.
Here are some rules associated with wave '4'.
1: Elliott wave triangle waves usually occur in the position of wave B or wave 4 of the larger pattern.
2: wave 4 should not overlap the top of wave 1.
3: wave 4 should lead to an explosive move back in the direction of the trend.
4: wave '4' is usually a sideways ranging pause in the larger trend.
5: wave 4 will usually form the initial support level for any proceeding correction within the larger trend.
Normally wave 4 must not cross into the price territory of wave 1 in a regular impulse wave.
But Wave 4 will overlap the top of wave 1 in a leading or ending diagonal wave. 
Wave 2 in a normal impulsive five wave pattern can not be a triangle wave.
A wave 2 correction is usually either a simple zigzag wave or a flat correction.
The reason it will not take the form of a triangle seems to be that a triangle does not retrace enough of the preceding advance that a second wave requires.
Wave 2 is a disbelief correction, meaning that the rally is not trusted so the correction is deep.
while a triangle is a belief correction, meaning that it is usually shallow and sideways in nature which does not destroy the conviction of the rally.