Breathing like that is usually a minor sign of stress - ball pythons aren't like dogs in that they don't enjoy pats on the head and being out of their home for too long. Handling sessions shouldn't be too long, I never have mine out for more than 15 minutes and never more than twice a week (but that's just me and I have 9 snakes to boop). If your snake starts flicking its tongue rapidly for a consistent period of time, its movements become quick or flighty, or it starts nosing around for a place to hide it's time to put it back.
It's recommended that when you first get a snake to not handle it for at least a week to allow it time to acclimate, or until it has eaten for you a few times. Do not handle your snake for up to two days after it has eaten or you risk it regurgitating food, which can cause other health issues. Handling too often can cause defensive behavior like hissing and striking or food refusal.
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