Yes start by stroking his back then gradually lift and lay him down then move on to running hand to hand quite low down.
I think part of the issue is that he is in an Ovo cage. These are not suitable for any hamsters to be honest as they are so small and the tubes and compartments poorly ventilated and the hammy has little space to run in. Access is also really bad. You need a large door so you can open the cage up to get your hands in. He looks lovely there