Afraid of hurting snake during handling

I have a young ball python, around six months or so. When I handle him I always try to be as gentle as possible but sometimes I accidentally squeeze him harder than I meant to or something if he is wiggling around. What I am wondering is if he is in pain, will he react appropriately so I know I hurt him? So far he has never hissed at me or struck at me, the most he does is recoil suddenly if I startle him.

I try to avoid squeezing them. I try to just keep bringing my hands up underneath them as they move around. In those instances where I need to wrap my fingers all the way around them, I try to do it with as little pressure as possible...

Just reach in, scoop the mid section and lift. While you lift support the lower half of the snake's body. And let the snake crawl on your hands. You shouldn't grabbing the snake. Just let him sit on your hand. When does he start wriggling too much? If it is after a certain amount of time that might be his limit and you shoukd but him back before he gets that uncomfortable. And you shouldn't grab the snake when he starts wriggling. Just keep moving your hands underneath him.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

I think you will know if you hurt him as it will likely cause a defensive strike.