Stay below the threshold
Keep the equipment-load ratio strictly below 70% for the normal roll. Below 30% you gain a longer light roll; it is not necessary for a first playthrough. At 70% and above, the heavy roll makes recovery and repositioning harder. Every equipped weapon counts, including the shield on your back.
React to the hit, not the pose
A raised weapon is a warning, not always the moment to dodge. Watch when the swing accelerates toward you. Delayed attacks are designed to catch an early roll, so use a failed attempt to learn one timing rather than pressing dodge faster.
Choose where you finish
A roll is also movement. Rolling toward the side of an attack often leaves you closer to a punish window. Rolling straight backward can keep you inside the reach of a follow-up. Check walls and ledges before committing.