Why do quarterbacks do this?

my High School coach taught to hold the ball right under the face mask....just try throwing from their...you just leave your left (non throwing) hand there when you don't throw hard...when you throw hard, you extend your non-throwing hand and throw it down as you start your throwing motion...this done while taking a step forward...kinda like a baseball pitch.

The purpose of holding the ball up high is so that if you get hit from behind...the defender won't tough the ball....some say you get a quicker release from there too. most qb's eventually just start holding it where they are comfortable...I remember Brady basically held it waiste level.

 

Actually, I was always taught to hold the ball up more, like by your ear. As you draw back to throw, your non- throwing arm draws forward then back around slightly to create a pendulum effect.
If you watch QB's, you'll see a majority will use that type of motion.

 

I think it's done so that the quarterback will have a nice smooth release. When he takes his drop back, most QB's do this with both hands on the ball. When releasing, if he has a closed fist on his non throwing hand then the pectoral muscles and arm muscles tighten up and will cause him to force the throw.
It also acts as somewhat of a guide before releasing.

 

I think it is involuntary and has to do with balance. Either that or being ready to stiff arm the fucker who came through untouched