# Absorption and icebergs: spotting the big players

- Source: https://orderflowfutures.com/en/blog/absorption-icebergs
- Site: OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com)
- Author: Tom, Trader & founder of OrderFlowFutures (https://orderflowfutures.com/a-propos#auteur)
- Published: 2026-07-01
- Updated: 2026-07-05
- Reuse: free to quote and cite, with attribution to OrderFlowFutures and a link to the source URL.

> When price stops advancing despite aggression, a large limit order is often absorbing. Here's how to spot it before the reversal.
**Absorption** is one of the most reliable Order Flow signals. It happens when a large limit order **soaks up market aggression without giving way**.

## How to recognize it
- Price **refuses to advance** despite persistent aggressive delta.
- Volume **stacks up** at the same level, candle after candle.
- On the [heatmap](/heatmap), a wall **refills** (iceberg) where price keeps hitting.

## Iceberg or spoof?
An **iceberg** is a hidden order that refills as it's consumed: it leaves a trail of executed trades. A **spoof** disappears before being hit: no trail. The distinction changes the whole read.

> Price not advancing despite aggression is the market telling you a bigger player is on the other side.

## How to use it
Absorption alone isn't enough: wait for **confirmation** (a break on the absorbed side, a delta flip). Combine it with [imbalances and delta](/blog/footprint-delta-imbalance) and a clear risk plan.

Want us to look at your screenshots and tell you if it's absorption or noise? Post them in the community.