Roll

The Roll is a move used by Mario and Luigi in Super Mario 3D Land and used by Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina in Super Mario 3D World. To perform it, the player has to press or  while crouching. This move moves Mario/Luigi forward with a quick roll. When rolling, they can break open crates and gain distance. This move is also available in the Donkey Kong Country series, where it is known as the Roll Attack.

The roll move will make a return in the upcoming title Super Mario Odyssey. Unlike in Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario 3D World, Mario can perform a continuous roll (by holding and tapping  ), instead of performing just one roll.

Rolling Leap
If Mario or Luigi jump during the move, the roll will become a Rolling Leap. It is a type of attack, and also an upgraded version of the Leap. If they are in their Tanooki forms, this move becomes the Tail Wag (see below).

A version of the move can be used by Tanooki Mario or Kitsune Luigi, called the Tail Wag. When used, Mario or Luigi will crouch and continuously spin their tails until the or  is not pressed anymore. By combining this move with the Rolling Leap, they can move while spinning their tails, defeating every enemy in their way.

Trivia

 * In the beta version of Super Mario 3D Land, the roll was performed by pressing the or  buttons while moving. If the player attempts to do this in the final version, Mario or Luigi will slide while crouching instead, as in other Mario platformer games.