Perfecting the Inside Roll when Dodging around the Crease
An inside roll is used when a defender overcommits or takes away the top/outside lane. As the dodger approaches pressure, they plant the outside foot and initiate contact or shoulder-to-shoulder separation while keeping the stick protected. The player then rolls back toward the middle of the field, rotating the hips and shoulders together to change direction efficiently.
During the roll, the stick stays tight to the body and moves with the turn to stay protected from checks. The hands remain relaxed, allowing the head of the stick to stay stable through the rotation. The player finishes the roll by re-accelerating into space, keeping their eyes up to read the next play, whether that’s a shot, pass, or continued dodge.
A clean inside roll relies on balance, body control, and timing. By staying compact and using the body to shield the stick, players can change direction quickly and attack high-value space without exposing the ball.