Spike Ball is an ability learned by Bowser in the game Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. The ability is learned when Mario and Luigi cure Bowser of his back pain by drilling into a strange spot at the Lumbar Nook,when they finish the process,Bowser's back looses,he becomes more flexible and allows him to use the Spike Ball ability. This ability allows Bowser to roll up into his shell,become a ball and climb walls of soft dirt, smash through certain objects, get shot through a spring and activate treadmills in the overworld.
When Bowser learns the Spike Ball, he suggests that he could never roll up into a ball before. However, the Special Attack Shy Guy Squad has Bowser roll up into a ball. These Shy Guys are rescued long before Bowser learns the Spike Ball.
An extremely similar ability was utilized in Super Mario Galaxy during the last fight against Bowser.