What action is necessary for a player to maintain possession of the ball?

To maintain possession of the ball in netball, a player must hold the ball with one or both hands. This action is fundamental because netball rules stipulate that a player in possession can only hold the ball for a limited time before passing it. While holding the ball, the player must also ensure it is not dropped or knocked away by the opposing team.

Dribbling is not permitted in netball, differentiating it from many other ball games. Therefore, continuously dribbling the ball, as suggested in one of the options, goes against the rules of the game. Passing the ball frequently is also not a requirement for maintaining possession; it's more a strategy for advancing the game. Lastly, while running toward the goal is often a tactic to score, it does not pertain to maintaining possession of the ball itself. Thus, holding the ball securely is the essential action for maintaining possession.