The correct statement regarding the relationship between the net force and the ball's movement is:
The net force causes a decrease in acceleration because without the force the ball's velocity would remain the same.
Here's the reasoning: When a nonzero net force acts on a moving ball that ultimately comes to a stop, it implies that the force is working against the ball's initial motion. This net force causes the ball to decelerate, which is a decrease in acceleration (or negative acceleration). In the absence of the net force, the ball would continue moving at a constant velocity according to Newton's first law of motion. Therefore, the correct understanding is that the net force acting on the ball results in a decrease in its velocity, leading to eventual stoppage.