Ball pythons are notoriously gentle when they grow up a little, but baby snakes of pretty much any species are little jerks. Actually, the truth is, he is just understandably terrified. He doesn't know you, he doesn't know where he is, and instinct tells him anything bigger than he is will try to eat him. My snake went for my face as soon as I opened the bag she was shipped in, and now she is the sweetest little thing, never even tries to bite unless it's feeding day, and she is nowhere near full grown. They calm down pretty quick.

Just give him about a week to explore his new tub and realize that it is home and it is safe. Then try feeding, and about 2-3 days after that, start some short handling sessions. Worked for me.