Just like with people, snakes can have different temperaments and personalities.
Most of my Ball Pythons always were and still are quite calm. But there are some that are more "jumpy". Most are head shy, but not all of them. I used to have 2 normals who didn't even flinched if you held their heads, I used to kiss one on top of the head and she couldn't care less.
Some only jump if you make quick movements, but some are VERY nervous. My littlest one is like that. She is just now starting to calm down some, but she is far more jumpy and shy then the others.
Could always be worse, because there are the ones that are downright aggressive and some stay that way.
Most do calm down with age and regular handling. I've found that the jumpy, defensive ones do better with shorter handling sessions. Keep it short and sweet and put them up before they get to freaked out. Over time you can lengthen the handling time.
Also, be deliberate in your movements. Not overly cautious and sneaky. Calm but deliberate. They will jump and flinch, but that will lessen as they learn nothing bad happens. Patience...you can have your snake for 30 years if nothing goes wrong, so having it take a bit longer to get them comfortable with you is not such a terrible thing in the big picture
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