A Front to Back Roll maneuver is when the stick is moved around to the opposite side of the puck while never leaving the playing surface. This can happen in a forward and back motion, which is called a vertical roll; or in a side to side motion, which is called a horizontal roll.
Vertical rolls are performed using the standard grip and are primarily used to stop the forward momentum of the puck by moving the stick from behind the puck to in front of it. This can be done to prepare for an evasive maneuver. The roll can also be used to move the puck back to the front of the stick, such as when preparing to kick out of the maneuver or make a pass.
Horizontal Rolls are also performed using the standard grip but with the player's arm and wrist rotated so that the front bevel of the stick is contacting the playing surface and the tip of the stick is pointed forward. The top and bottom of the stick are used to re-direct the side to side motion of the puck in an evasive puck-handling maneuver all its own.
Front to Back Rolls can be done while a player is stationary in cobra position or when a player is kicking with the puck.
Demo video coming soon!
Nearly all evasive maneuvers can incorporate a vertical roll at their beginning, end, or both. However, some sticks with larger hooks have trouble with the vertical roll as the hook tip can interfere with a smooth transition; for these sticks a vertical tic-tac may be better. Front to back rolls are sometimes preferred because the stick can maintain contact with the puck throughout the maneuver, although the tic-tacs are often faster.
The front to back roll can be used anytime.
Real life video coming soon!
FRONT TO BACK ROLL