I have hatched many ball pythons and once in a while you get one that takes a while to start eating. If the snake looks healthy I would still wait a bit longer before assist feeding, which can be real stressfull to a snake. Make sure you have him in a small tub with a tight hide and leave him alone for 5 days without disturbing him. Offer a live hopper mouse in the evening and if he refuses take him out and go another 5 days. He is just striking because he is nervous, these are defensive strikes, not a feeding strike.

I have had a hatchling go more than 10 weeks after shed and then eat. I would wait to assit feed if he starts to loose any weight but you would be real suprised how long they can go without food. I only assist feed and not force feed.