Why do quarterbacks do this?

They hold up their non-throwing hand with splayed fingers while throwing.

 

He was counting steps in his 5-step drop.

 

He's seen John Elway doin it?

 

He's having a fit.

 

To get more zip on the ball the QB will jerk (not really a jerk more of a smooth pull) his non-throwing elbow backwards in order to help the trunk turn. The move is more efficient when the arm is somewhat rigid. The hand is splayed because it is tensed. It is not necessary to have the hand splayed more of the natural way your hand tenses. You almost have to conciously make a fist.

 

Because they are pussies!

 

Because he is on the take - he sold out - he was telling the defender he was throwing the ball to #85

 

HI MOM!

 

the picture doesn't show for me but Sly's pretty much right, it's a momentum thing. It helps bring the body around to an otherwise unusual position, not unlike the front step's role in swinging a bat.

Kerry Collins always did this. I don't remember Beuerlein. Lewis did it, definately, and Craig did as well - but Craig was always inconsistent. Not only did his hand placement change, but his drop spacing was different from snap to snap, where he helf and released the ball often changed as well. It's possible someone could have changed and improved his throwing motion had they made it consistent, and that could have led to an increase of arm strength - more efficient use of strength. But consistency is generally controlled by the person, not the coach.
'
but that's neither here nor there.

 

To get more zip on the ball the QB will jerk (not really a jerk more of a smooth pull) his non-throwing elbow backwards in order to help the trunk turn. The move is more efficient when the arm is somewhat rigid. The hand is splayed because it is tensed. It is not necessary to have the hand splayed more of the natural way your hand tenses. You almost have to conciously make a fist.

hahahahaha.....Sly the QB coach.