History Main / RollingAttack

%%* One of Amethyst's signature moves in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse.'' Also used by Jasper to attack both Garnet and Amethyst, suggesting that it's a move common to [[SuperSoldier quartz-type]] Gems. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own.

The weaponized use of BeTheBall, this is when a character curls up into a ball and careens forward, destroying everything in their path. Woe especially to those who are on a downwards-sloping hill, in which the attack gets additional gravity power. A lot of the time, characters who use this type of attack have parts on the back that enhance this attack, such as rock-hard armor, blades, or [[SpikesOfDoom spikes]]. See also SpinAttack, SphereFactor, DashAttack, and SlideAttack. Compare MonowheelMayhem, which describes a type of vehicle that may be able to execute this sort of attack.

Not related to RollAndMove, UnnecessaryCombatRoll or RoundedCharacter. Also see BouncingBattler.

* ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'': Armadillomon uses this in his Diamond Shell attack, specifically in ''Anime/DigimonAdventure02''.

* ''Anime/GundamBuildDivers'': This is one of the Momokapool's attacks. It's literally called "Rolling Attack".
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': Choji uses this technique, notably seen with his Human Boulder Jutsu. Isobu the Sanbi could do this as well.
* ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'': The Rollout move, as demonstrated by a Donphan in the picture.

* ''Anime/YuGiOh'': In the Dungeon Dice Monsters arc, one of Yugi's monsters has this as a Special Ability.

%% ZCE * Bouncing Boy in ''ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes''.
%% ZCE * Pinball in ''ComicBook/SquadronSupreme''.

* During the attack on the karate school in ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooAndTheSamuraiSword'', Scooby and Shaggy temporarily become [[SumoWrestling sumo wrestlers]] and roll over the top of the robot ninjas.
* ''WesternAnimation/WreckItRalph'' shows [[spoiler:the Cy-Bug-fused [[BigBad King Candy/Turbo]] doing this. It can be explained that Cy-Bugs become what they eat, and they ate Turbo's car, along with him.]]

* In the film ''Film/{{Battleship}}'', the aliens use ~7-foot-tall wheel-shaped combat drones that attack this way, by grinding/shredding into & through targets. A single one is capable of sinking a US Missile Destroyer (though it takes a little while), and another decimates a US Marine Corps base [[spoiler:including one helicoptor that [[HopeSpot takes off in time to barely avoid bisection]], only for a spiked tentacle to lash out backward from the droid and rip the coptor's tail off]].

* ''Film/{{Hook}}'' had the Lost Boy called Thudball who did [[CallingYourAttacks attack of the same name]].

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Franchise/PowerRangers'':
** ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' featured an armadillo monster called the Soccadillo (it was transformed from a soccer ball by Rita) that could do this. It was also invulnerable while curled. It's entirely possible that ''[[Series/PowerRangersWildForce Wild Force's]]'' Armadillo Zord finisher is a ShoutOut to this monster.
** ''Series/PowerRangersJungleFury'' gives us a similar monster... but it's a pangolin, not an armadillo, which the Rangers mistook it for at first. (In fact, its name is just "Pangolin.")

[[folder:Literature]]
* ''[[Literature/{{Redwall}} Mattimeo]]'' had a pair of hedgehogs locking together into a single spiked ball, then rolling around to attack enemies. Incidentally, the book was released two years before the first ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog1'' game came out.
[[/folder]]

* The most famous are likely Wrestling/AkiraMaeda's often imitated Ajisegiri, the "scissor kick flip" variant in particular usually having no elevation. Fans outside of Japan tend to be most familiar with Wrestling/JushinThunderLiger's erroneously named "rolling kopu kick", though variation's on his are more often entirely aerial.

* The original rolling thunder was a {{combination attack}} with this and a leg drop from Wrestling/{{Sabu}}, but Wrestling/RobVanDam has since been known to use the rolling thunder on his own since the fall of Wrestling/{{ECW}} has mostly left them hanging separately.

* Harlow O'Hara's harlock typically starts with her knocking the opponent down by rolling into their legs before uncurling on their back.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* The card [[http://magiccards.info/arc/en/78.html Armadillo Cloak]] in ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering''.

* In ''VideoGame/Action52'', the main character in ''Fuzz Power'' can do that.

** The Amazon's armed mid-air attack has her performing a rolling attack with her BladeOnAStick extended, becoming something akin to a buzzsaw. Adding the Deadly Revolution skill lets her do this [[DoubleJump multiple times before landing]].
* ''VideoGame/DualBlades''/''Slashers: The Power Battle'': Jaman, despite being a MightyGlacier, is capable of rolling and throwing himself at opponents in a manner similar to the above mentioned Blanka, of whom Jaman has a few similarities to.

* Sash Lilac's Dragon Boost in ''VideoGame/FreedomPlanet'', which can also propel her upwards, in the air, and downwards from the air. Carol Tea has a subdued version of Sonic's in that it doesn't accelerate her unless done on a downward slope. It helps that the game was originally planned as a Sonic fan game.

** The Hebby Repp and Sudo Neku Dream Eaters in ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance'' can attack in this fashion by curling their bodies into a circle and rolling about like a wheel. The Drill Sye and Cera Terror use the more standard "turn into a ball" variant. They also use said attacks when performing [[CombinationAttack Link Attacks]] with Sora, the former [[IncendiaryExponent catching on fire]] thanks to the extra momentum from being thrown, the latter involving SphereFactor.
* A number of Franchise/{{Kirby}}'s abilities incorporate this, such as Wheel, Snow Bowl, and occasionally Fire. Many of his enemies are capable of the same, like the Wheelies ([[OurMonstersAreWeird living, one-eyed tires]]) and the [[ObfuscatingInsanity cunning]] Beast Pack boss [[MadArtist Sillydillo]].
* ''VideoGame/KyleAndLucyWonderworld'': Both Kyle and Lucy can build up speed while standing still, and then take off running while [[WreathedInFlames covered in flames]].

* ''VideoGame/TheLastStory'': Terracor does this whenever it's being stunned. Muruk (as well as [[spoiler:{{Superboss}} Gigamuruk]]) rotates its encased body while standing in one spot to paralyze its opponents with electricity.

*** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'': Link can do a rolling attack (complete with [[SpikesOfDoom spikes]]) when he transforms into a Goron.

* ''VideoGame/LostHome'': The armadillo can do this while in solo mode, allowing it to defeat some enemies and smash boulders while rolled up.
%%* ''VideoGame/LostPlanet'': The Dongos can attack this way.
* ''VideoGame/MadStalkerFullMetalForce'': Gongs has one as a special move. It can be done across the ground or shot up into the air.
* ''VideoGame/MetalGear'': Present in almost every game. Raiden gets a cartwheel-like attack in ''2''.

*** The Uragaan uses this both to travel and to squish pesky hunters, curling its body into a wheel shape and rolling around rapidly. The subspecies (Steel Uragaan) does the same.
*** The Royal Ludroth uses a very silly looking version of this, simply rolling its body sideways like a dog to squish anyone attacking it from that angle.

*** The Great Jagras does the sideways-rolling variant, but only after it eats another monster and [[BalloonBelly bulks itself up]].

* ''VideoGame/MonsterParty'': The [[BigCreepyCrawlies giant caterpillar]] in Round 7 uses this as the only method of attacking. Also, this caterpillar is named Royce. In other words, [[VisualPun Rolls-Royce]].
* ''Franchise/MortalKombat'': Kano and his Cannonball attack. Mileena also possesses a rolling attack, although she keeps it to the ground.
* ''VideoGame/{{Pikmin}}'':

* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
** The moves Rollout and Ice Ball. They double in power if the move Defense Curl is used beforehand.
** The move Steamroller, introduced in ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'', achieves a similar effect, as well as doubling in power if the target Pokémon has previously used the move Minimize.

* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'''s Spin Dash and Spin Attack are the most well-known examples of this trope. In fact, a lot of variations of this trope are part of his moveset, from his Homing Attack to rolling downhill at high speeds to even just jumping. Most Sonic characters can use some variation of these moves.
* ''VideoGame/Splatoon1'': The third boss of the first game, the Octowhirl, is a large, round, clam-like monster that uses this as its main attack. If it tries to roll through a giant puddle of Agent 3's ink, it will get stuck in it, exposing its weak point.
* ''Franchise/StreetFighter'': Blanka. (A Hong Kong parody film used an ''actual beach ball'' painted green to depict this.)
%%* ''VideoGame/AdventuresOfLolo'': Alma if you're in its axis.
%%* ''Franchise/MegaMan'':
%%** ''VideoGame/MegaManX'': Armored Armadillo's InvulnerableAttack.
%%** Blizzard Man from ''VideoGame/MegaMan6'', Strike Man from ''VideoGame/MegaMan10'', and in an example that sides with the player, Tango in the Game Boy ''VideoGame/MegaManV''.
%%** ''VideoGame/MegaManZero1'': Maha Ganeshariff.
%%** ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'': Hedgeshock.
* ''VideoGame/{{Skully}}'' has the titular character, an anthropomorphic skull, who moves by rolling. When accelerated Skully can knock over objects and pummel enemies, as demonstrated when he rolls and knocks over the last boss defeating him.

** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'': Rock Mario attacks this way, as he's turned into a large rolling boulder when the Wiimote is shaken. There are even enemies shaped like bowling pins. One of the bosses, Rollodillo, attacks this way as well.
** ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DLand'': The Mario Bros. can do one at any time, though it only does damage as Tanooki Mario/Kitsune Luigi. It is, however, very useful for smashing bricks without being under them. This also applies to ''VideoGame/SuperMario3DWorld''.
** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioOdyssey'', except this one can be used continuously. It can even go faster when rolling downhill, similar to Sonic in his Genesis games.

* In the ''VideoGame/{{Turrican}}'' series, Turrican's signature ability is his ability to transform into a spiky energy wheel that can destroy many things in its rolling path. This ability was also featured in the ''Universal Soldier'' video game, which was a [[DolledUpInstallment dolled-up]] ''Turrican II''.

* In the ''VideoGame/{{Xenophobe}}'' arcade game the 3rd stage Xenophobes known as "Rollers" can roll themselves up into a ball (which is immune to the players' weapons) and roll into the players, knocking them down and damaging them.

* ''WesternAnimation/ExtremeDinosaurs'': Stegz an curl his body into a destructive saw blade, using the plates on his back as its cutting edge.
* When Max from ''WesternAnimation/MaxSteel2013'' enters Cannon Mode his main attack is this.

* ''WesternAnimation/PJMasks'': Armadylan, a new PJ Mask who makes his debute in season 2, can do this.
* One of Amethyst's signature moves in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse.'' Also used by Jasper to attack both Garnet and Amethyst, suggesting that it's a move common to [[SuperSoldier quartz-type]] Gems.

* Rammus from ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' has a skill called Powerball that allows him to roll like a ball with stable acceleration for some time or until he collides with an enemy. Collision will cause nearby enemies to be knocked up and take some damage.

*** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' lets Link deal damage to enemies if the Iron Boots are equipped while rolling. Repeatedly rolling into a Cuccoo briefly lets you control the Cuccoo (unlike other games where attacking them brings down the fury of the birds' friends).

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* ''Franchise/DragonBall'': Mister Satan has a move called "Rolling Attack", which is nothing more than a fancy-looking mobility technique.

[[folder:Comic Books]]
* Bouncing Boy in ''ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes''.
* Pinball in ''ComicBook/SquadronSupreme''.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' featured an armadillo monster called the Soccadillo (it was transformed from a soccer ball by Rita) that could do this. It was also invulnerable while curled. It's entirely possible that ''[[Series/PowerRangersWildForce Wild Force's]]'' Armadillo Zord finisher is a ShoutOut to this monster.

* ''[[Literature/{{Redwall}} Mattimeo]]'' had a pair of hedgehogs locking together into a single spiked ball, then rolling around to attack enemies. Incidentally, the book was released two years before the first ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' game came out.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Armadillo}}'', you have an attack which allows you to turn into a ball.

* ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'''s Spin Dash and Spin Attack are the most well-known examples of this trope. In fact, a lot of variations of this trope are part of his moveset, from his Homing Attack to rolling downhill at high speeds to even just jumping. Most Sonic characters can use some variation of these moves.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/OKKOLetsBeHeroes'' crossover episode featuring VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog, Sonic and Tails teach KO how to do their signature Spin Dash in order for him to get over a loop. KO's first attempt results in him [[EpicFail exploding]]. After Tails tells him how he learned to perfom the ball-curling technique, KO figures out how to perform the Spin Dash himself.

* In ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxterThePrecursorLegacy'', Jak can roll on the ground and then perform a rolling leap that can hit enemies (also making for a handy Long Jump). Averted with the sequels as the damage ability of this move was removed, [[AntiFrustrationFeatures so that you don't accidentally hit a cop and get chased across half the city]].

* In the ''VideoGame/Xenophobe'' arcade game the 3rd stage Xenophobes known as "Rollers" can roll themselves up into a ball (which is immune to the players' weapons) and roll into the players, knocking them down and damaging them.

* One of Amethyst's signature moves in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse.'' Also used by Jasper to attack Garnet, suggesting that it's a move common to [[SuperSoldier quartz-type]] Gems.

** ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter4'': When Zamtrios absorbs air and inflates its whole body, it can roll onto the hunter to harm them. In High Rank, it jumps backward before rolling forward for a better aim.

* In the third ''Animation/PleasantGoatAndBigBigWolf'' movie, Weslie is chased by a melon trooper, who rolls around in an attempt to attack him. Weslie manages to dodge the attack when the melon rolls onto the edge of a cliff which crumbles and falls.

* ''VideoGame/DeepRockGalctic'': Q'ronar Shellbacks move by rolling around on the ground and walls, and attack by rolling into dwarves and launching them into the air.

* In ''Armadillo'', you have an attack which allows you to turn into a ball.
* A number of Franchise/{{Kirby}}'s abilities incorporate this, such as Wheel, Snow Bowl, and occasionally Fire. Many of his enemies are capable of the same, like the Wheelies ([[OurMonstersAreWeird living, one-eyed tires]]) and the [[ObfuscatingInsanity cunning]] Beast Pack boss [[MadArtist Sillydillo]].
* In ''Quik the Thunder Rabbit'', Quik's only way of attacking enemies is to spin into them.
* Final boss Mondu has a roll in the Genesis fighting game ''Slaughter Sport'', done by simply holding Down+Forward.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Action 52}}'', the main character in ''Fuzz Power'' can do that.

* [[VideoGame/{{Darkstalkers}} Felicia's]] {{Shoryuken}} incorporates rolling. Her CaptainErsatz from ''Galaxy Fight'', Roomi, does the same.

* ''VideoGame/Pikmin2'': The Segmented Crawbster attacks by curling up into a ball and rolling after your active captain in an attempt to crush him and any Pikmin in his squad under its hard shell.

* In ''VideoGame/MonsterParty'', the [[BigCreepyCrawlies giant caterpillar]] in Round 7 uses this as the only method of attacking. Also, this caterpillar is named Royce. In other words, [[VisualPun Rolls-Royce]].
* Kano and his Cannonball attack from ''Franchise/MortalKombat''. Mileena also possesses a rolling attack, though she keeps it to the ground.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Polyroll}}'', Polyroll can roll himself into a ball to attack enemies, bounce off walls, and break through some kinds of obstacles.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Psychonauts}}'', Raz can roll around on his Levitation ball. With the Rolling Havoc upgrade it can damage enemies as soon as he starts rolling.

* The third boss of the first ''VideoGame/Splatoon1'', the Octowhirl, is a large, round, clam-like monster that uses this as its main attack. If it tries to roll through a giant puddle of Agent 3's ink, it will get stuck in it, exposing its weak point.

* ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'': The Rollout move, as demonstrated by a Donphan in the picture.

** The Uragaan from the third-generation games uses this both to travel and to squish pesky hunters, curling its body into a wheel shape and rolling around rapidly. The subspecies (Steel Uragaan) does the same.
** The Volvidon also rolls around, both as an attack and as locomotion. As it's based on an armadillo, this is justified.
** The Royal Ludroth uses a very silly looking version of this, simply rolling its body sideways like a dog to squish anyone attacking it from that angle.
** The Great Jagras from ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterWorld'' also does the sideways-rolling variant, but only after it eats another monster and [[BalloonBelly bulks itself up]].
** ''World'' also introduced Radobaan, related to the Uragaan but which coats itself in bones rather than rock. It also does the trademark rolling attack and is more agile than it's sturdier cousin, even able to do a sideways spin when enraged.

* Terracor in ''VideoGame/TheLastStory'' does this whenever it's being stunned. Muruk (as well as [[spoiler: BonusBoss Gigamuruk]]) rotates its encased body while standing in one spot to paralyze its opponents with electricity.

** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'': When Link is first trying to climb Death Mountain, the Gorons try to keep him by curling into rocky balls and rolling into him at high speeds.

*** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' lets Link deal damage to enemies if the Iron Boots are equipped while rolling. Repeatedly rolling into a Cuccoo briefly lets you control the Cuccoo (unlike other games where attacking them brings down the fury of the FeatheredFiends' friends).

** King Dodongo has this as one of his moves during his battle.
** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'', Link can do a rolling attack (complete with [[SpikesOfDoom spikes]]) when he transforms into a Goron.
** Gorons in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'' attack in this way, as do Ampilus in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' (the latter being able to electrocute Link if they hit him).
* In ''VideoGame/LostHome'', the armadillo can do this while in solo mode, allowing it to defeat some enemies and smash boulders while rolled up.
* ''VideoGame/LostPlanet'': The Dongos can attack this way.
* Gongs in ''VideoGame/MadStalkerFullMetalForce'' has one as a special move. It can be done across the ground or shot up into the air.
* Present in almost every ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' game. Raiden gets a cartwheel-like attack in 2.

* Frequently averted in ''VideoGame/{{Metroid}}''. Samus uses the morph ball to roll alright, but she doesn't generally attack by rolling (aside from the rare usage of the Boost Ball, which is mostly a mobility upgrade), rather using Morph Ball Bombs and Power Bombs instead.

[[folder:Film]]
* In the film ''Film/{{Battleship}}'', the aliens use ~7-foot-tall wheel-shaped combat drones that attack this way, by grinding/shredding into & through targets. A single one is capable of sinking a US Missile Destroyer (though it takes a little while), and another decimates a US Marine Corps base [[spoiler:including one helicoptor that [[HopeSpot takes off in time to barely avoid bisection]], only for a spiked tentacle to lash out backward from the droid and rip the coptor's tail off]].
* Anguirus in ''Film/GodzillaFinalWars'' attacked by curling into a ball and rolling at his enemies. He also attacks this way in the video games ''Videogame/GodzillaSaveTheEarth'' and ''Videogame/GodzillaUnleashed''.
* ''Film/{{Hook}}'' had the Lost Boy called Thudball who did [[CallingYourAttacks attack of the same name]].

* During the attack on the karate school in ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooAndTheSamuraiSword'', Scooby and Shaggy temporarily become sumo wrestlers and roll over the top of the robot ninjas.

[[quoteright:200:[[Anime/{{Pokemon}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/trope200_7191.JPG]]]]

* The third boss of ''VideoGame/{{Splatoon}}'', the Octowhirl, is a large, round, clam-like monster that uses this as its main attack. If it tries to roll through Agent 3's ink, it will get stuck in it, exposing its weak point.