that box is waaay too big. ball pythons like to hind in things barely big enough for them to fit in. They get a sense of security in feeling the sides of the hide wrapped around them. He is most likely striking out of fear because he feels vulnerable. Take some small bowls and cut holes in them or even a tissue box. Also as someone else said, take wads of newspaper and clutter up his cage a bit then give him a week without bothering him. Let him get comfortable. Also like stated already, don't bother taking him out to feed. Let him hunt in his own enclosure.