The temperament of balls can show them being shy or flighty, but most are this way. I have 2 and both shy away from us picking them up initially, but warm up after a minute or 2. Also, balls don't like to bump into anything with their noses. They will retreat very fast. That is just the breed and the way they are. My oldest is 6 yrs and he will still retreat quickly with loud noises, sudden movements or bumping his head or nose. This is totally normal behavior. Your ball sounds completely normal to me.