I like to do the pressups uni-lateral and not just do push-up plus because I have found that the range of motion in my left scapula and indeed my control over that side is really deficient compared to the right. So on the roller like that it lets me really feel and isolate it. It's already helped a bit but that side is still screwy.
Oh, you mean to get the scapula out of the way? Yeah definitely, otherwise you're just rolling over bone. I think it was the side to side vertical thing that got my back a little weird. I've done that before but I'm not sure it is a good idea to just suddenly start doing that pre-workout if you're not used to it. But like I said, I feel great today so really, that's what counts.
BTW, another thing I like to do is lay on the roller vertically like that, and with the hands behind the head, stretch the pecs, etc, actively. I've also started doing dumbell pressups on the roller like that...it gives you nice range of motion.