How long have you had him? If you just bought the ball python, did you give it atleast 1 week to settle in to its new surroundings? If you have let him settle in, you should slowly ease the snake into handling.....it should calm down eventually Also, I would get another hide.....one hide on a cool side with a temperature between 82-84 deg F and one hide on the warm side with a temperature between 92-94 deg F. That will make the snake feel much more secure.