To ensure that your gerbil becomes tame and affectionate it is important that you handle it frequently and correctly. Picking up a gerbil incorrectly could lead to your gerbil being permanently frightened and may lead to it becoming aggressive.
Remember that most small animals are prey in the wild. So, if they are approached from above they will see a large shadow and become scared. They might run and hide or try to attack you.
Before attempting handling, make sure that your gerbil is awake and alert. Let him decide when he is ready to come to you. Your voice is a very good method of introduction as it will make him aware that you are near him.
Always approach him calmly and, once you are sure he is awake, slowly place a closed fist in front of him and allow him to approach. If your gerbil is confident and appears interested, slowly unclench your fist and open your hand. He may crawl on to the palm of your hand or you can gently scoop him up. If he appears hesitant, you could gently hold the base of its tail, near its body, and lift up, placing its feet on the palm of your other hand (always be slow and gentle and never grab hold of the end of his tail as gerbils can shed the skin to escape although this causes them pain and they will likely be frightened next time you approach him).
To ensure that your gerbil is safe while you hold him, place him over your lap or hold next to your chest. If they wriggle during handling they may fall and their skeletons are so small and delicate that they can easily be damaged. This is also true of rough handling never squeeze or tighten your grip around the gerbil during handling.
If your gerbil is difficult to catch when in the cage, you can use a cup or mug to usher him in and then slowly tip him out on to your lap. This is also a useful technique for aggressive gerbils. It avoids injury both to you and your gerbil. If your gerbil is aggressive and hates being handled, it is important that you break him of this habit but if he still wriggles during transportation, it is advisable to place him in a carrier to avoid any accidents.