Hi im dont have a ball python yet and wont be about to get one for a few years. But I really excited to finally be able to have one and I want to do as much research and planing as I can now so that when to time comes where I can get one Im ready have dont have any surprises that will cause my python harm. Right now im have problems with figuring out heating for the enclosure I want to get the ball python. I want to get a 4 foot by 2 foot by 4 foot enclosure because I really want my ball python to have climbing options open to them. But the problem is heating just an over head heating panel will not heat the bottom of the enclosure because of the height and they suggest adding another heading source. I really dont want a heading pad because im scared they will injure my animal. I came here hoping that someone else has a solution and maybe a picture so I can fully see how to be able to mount it safely when the time comes. And help will be amazing. Thank you for your time.
Good on you for doing your research so far ahead of time!
A heat panel is a good idea to help support a heat gradient in such a big enclosure, but you will definitely want a supplementary heat source. My suggestion is a heat lamp) or a heat lamp plus a deep heat projector if your night temps tend to get quite low).
They’ll still have the problem of being far from the floor of the enclosure, but if you combine that strategy with providing a raised platform (large enough to put a hide on so they have a hot hide) on the side of the enclosure where the heat lamp(s) are mounted, then your snake will be able to access the higher temperatures when needed.
Also, anecdotally, if you want your ball python to keep climbing into adulthood, you’re going to want some very thick supportive branches. 
Our girl climbed a lot more as a juvenile and then stopped when she hit adult size, until recently when I crisscrossed a bunch of small logs around her enclosure.