Published on: March 19, 2025
Technical traders constantly seek patterns and indicators that provide a competitive edge in the market. One such powerful tool is the Bollinger Band Squeeze, a concept developed by John Bollinger. This indicator helps traders identify periods of low volatility that often precede significant price movements.
Understanding the Bollinger Band Squeeze
The Bollinger Bands consist of three lines:
- The middle band: A simple moving average (usually 20-period SMA).
- The upper band: Typically two standard deviations above the middle band.
- The lower band: Typically two standard deviations below the middle band.
What is a Bollinger Band Squeeze?
The Squeeze occurs when the Bollinger Bands contract, indicating a period of low volatility. This phase is significant because market cycles tend to alternate between low volatility (consolidation) and high volatility (breakout or trend formation).
How to Identify a Bollinger Band Squeeze
- Look for a positive and negative crossover of Band and Average.
- Check for support and resistance using the Bollinger Band
- Use confirmation signals like breakouts above resistance or below support to anticipate direction.
Strategy for Options Trading Using the Bollinger Band Squeeze
Options traders can leverage the Bollinger Band Squeeze to capitalise on impending price moves by using directional and non-directional strategies.
1. Straddle or Strangle Strategy (Non-Directional) for Positive Crossover
A positive crossover only indicates a breakout but not the direction, traders can use a Straddle (ATM options) or Strangle (OTM options) strategy to benefit from large price moves in either direction.
- Entry: Enter a Long Straddle (Buy ATM Call & Put) or Strangle (Buy OTM Call & Put) when bands are at their narrowest.
- Exit: Close the trade with the negative crossover on Band Squeeze.
2. Strangle Strategy (Non-Directional) for Negative Crossover
A negative crossover only indicates a range or pullback after the trending move, traders can use a Short Strangle (OTM options) strategy to benefit from low price moves.
- Entry: Enter a Short Strangle (Sell OTM Call & Put) at the negative crossover.
- Exit: Close the trade when the price breaks out significantly and implied volatility rises, signalled by a positive crossover.
You can use the Straddle Watchlist in TradePoint. Click here to learn more
There are various options strategies you can implement by using Band Squeeze alone or by adding the RSI, MACD or Moving Average to define the trend.
By mastering the Bollinger Band Squeeze and aligning it with options trading strategies, traders can position themselves for potential high-probability trades.
