Discover an incredibly simple and effective 1-minute scalping strategy using just one indicator. Perfect for futures and forex day traders. Get 80% off Apex Trader Funding evaluations today!

Easy 1 Minute Scalping Strategy (Step By Step)

For day traders looking for fast, repeatable trades with minimal setup, this easy 1-minute scalping strategy is a powerful tool. Built around one simple indicator — the 20-period simple moving average (SMA) — this method delivers high-probability trades with low time commitment. Whether you’re trading forex or futures, this strategy is ideal for scalpers who want to capture momentum in fast-moving markets.

Why This Strategy Works

This 1-minute scalping technique capitalizes on short-term market pullbacks within a clearly defined trend. Using the 20-period moving average, traders wait for price retracements and a strong candlestick confirmation before entering. It’s a systematic, rule-based approach that eliminates guesswork.

Step-by-Step Scalping Strategy Guide

1. Add the Only Indicator You Need

  • Go to your trading platform and open the chart.
  • Add a Simple Moving Average (SMA).
  • Change the length from 9 to 20.
  • (Optional) Make the line bold and orange for visibility.

2. Identify the Overall Trend (5-Minute Timeframe)

Before executing any trade on the 1-minute chart, determine the trend on the 5-minute chart:

  • For long setups: Look for higher highs and higher lows.
  • For shorts: Watch for lower highs and lower lows.
  • Confirm that price is trending above or below the 20 SMA.

3. Drop Down to the 1-Minute Chart

Once the trend is established:

  • Wait for the price to pull back to the 20 SMA.
  • DO NOT enter early — let the price touch the moving average.

4. Wait for Confirmation (No Guessing)

  • Enter ONLY when there is a confirmation candlestick, ideally a bullish or bearish engulfing candle.
  • Avoid jumping in without confirmation; in trading, guessing is expensive.

5. Set Logical Stop Loss & Take Profit

  • Stop Loss: Just below the SMA or recent swing low/high.
  • Take Profit: Use a minimum 1.5R reward-to-risk ratio.
  • Use higher timeframes to spot logical support/resistance zones.

Start Trading with a Prop Firm & Get Funded

If you want to scale this strategy and trade with more capital, using a prop firm is a great solution. And we’ve got massive discounts to help you start today!

📢 80% OFF Apex Trader Funding Evaluations – Pass in 1 Day! 📢

Apex Trader Funding is one of the best prop trading firms for beginners, and right now they’re offering a lifetime 80% discount:

  • 💰 80% OFF ALL Evaluations & Future Months
  • ✅ Pass in just 1 day!
  • 🚀 $40 resets for ALL Evaluations
  • 🏦 $130 one-time PA activation fee
  • ♻️ Take unlimited evaluations – up to 20 funded accounts

🔥 Apex has already paid out over $480 MILLION to traders!

✨ Get Your Discount Now

Use Code VTFGKPGN at checkout or click the link above to Start Your Evaluation today!

Why This is Great for Prop Traders

This strategy is perfect for traders using evaluation accounts with firms like Apex. Because of its:

  • High win rate when executed with discipline
  • Low risk per trade
  • Quick trade duration (often done in 15 minutes or less)
  • Ideal for hitting daily profit targets quickly without overtrading

If you’re looking for a cheap futures prop firm evaluation, this strategy paired with Apex’s 80% discount is a golden opportunity.

Final Thoughts

The 1-minute scalping strategy is not only easy — it’s incredibly effective. When combined with the right tools, discipline, and a high-quality prop firm like Apex, it becomes a weapon for serious day traders.

Follow the steps, wait for confirmation, respect your risk, and trade with confidence.

Ready to Trade Like a Pro?
👉 Start Your Evaluation Now with 80% OFF
Use Code: VTFGKPGN at checkout

  • Prop trading evaluation discount
  • Cheap futures prop firm evaluations
  • Best prop trading firms for beginners