What does a player need to do to avoid a held ball violation?

To avoid a held ball violation in netball, a player must pass the ball within three seconds of receiving it. This rule is in place to promote a dynamic and fast-paced game, encouraging players to act quickly instead of holding onto the ball for extended periods. By passing the ball promptly, the player ensures the game continues to flow smoothly and avoids the penalty associated with a held ball, which occurs when a player does not release the ball within the allowed time frame.

Other options present behaviors that would either directly contribute to a held ball violation or do not address the rule appropriately. Dribbling the ball constantly is not a requirement in netball—players may not dribble at all in certain positions, making it an incorrect approach to avoid the violation. Similarly, taking longer than three seconds to shoot would definitively lead to a held ball, as it violates the timing rule. Lastly, standing still with the ball without making a pass would likely result in a violation as well, since the player would not be taking action to maintain the game's pace.