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In my opinion, one of the best things you can do with your dog is play ball. However, in more than 25 years of dog training I have learned that many dogs won't bring the ball back, or won't give the ball back. IE:They would prefer to play tug of war with you.
Understanding why dogs chase a ball will help you understand why they, naturally, don't want to bring it or give it back. Dogs chase balls because wolves chase their food. Anything that runs away from the wolf is one thing- food! Mice, squirrels, rabbits and deer run away from wolves in a zig-zag manner, which triggers the case instinct.
Chasing another animal is a three-part game. The chase, tug of war, with a second wolf, and being chased, or: running away with the prey.
When you throw the ball, the dog realizes you are not even chasing it so the dog does not understand why you think the dog should bring back what you did not even chase. If they do come back, it's usually just to play tug of war with you.
So, here's what you do if you have either of these problems. Put the dog on a long rope, or line, 20, 30, 50 feet, whatever. Throw the ball, but further than your line. When the dog gets the ball, do not say anything to the dog just reel him in. If he won't give you the ball pinch the lip against the top canine tooth as you say a word like "out" or "give" or "drop it." The words don't matter just be consistent. Use the same word or words everytime.
Once you have the ball use your release word, like: "free,"or "okay," and throw the ball immediately. Repeat, repeat, repeat until your dog consistently brings the ball back.
After the dog is consistently brings the ball back and gives it up, take the line off. This will take days, weeks or months, depending on how often you practice. Throw the ball. If the dog won't bring the ball back or won't give it back, then take a second ball out of your pocket and bounce it on the ground or against the house. Ignore your dog but keep saying the word, "out", "give" or "drop it." If the dog drops the ball, give the release word and throw the second ball. It should not be long before you can limit the need for the second ball. If the dog will not give the ball up then put the dog on the leash and keep practicing. Good luck and have fun
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