(all definitions describing flight assume a backhand throw unless otherwise indicated)
Fade: the tendency of a disc to curve in the direction opposite the throwing hand. This is the natural flight path for all discs, especially as a thrown disc slows down at the end of its flight. Some disc companies give their discs ratings for “Low Speed Fade”. This rating indicates how strongly the disc will fade as it slows down at the end of its flight. The more fade, the higher the rating.
Turn: the tendency of a disc to curve in the same direction as the throwing hand at the beginning of its flight. Some disc companies give their discs ratings for “High Speed Turn”. This rating indicates how strongly the disc will turn at the beginning of its flight when it achieves maximum velocity. The more turn, the lower the rating.
Stable: describes a disc that, assuming the correct amount of power, will tend to hold the angle it is put on (hyzer, anhyzer, flat) with a slight fade at the end of its flight. In terms of some disc companies ratings, a stable disc is one that has relatively neutral “high speed turn” and “low speed fade” ratings.
Under-Stable: describes a disc that, assuming the correct amount of power, will “turn” over from a flat release and hold that line before fading back at the end of the flight. Under-stable discs are the best discs for a beginner to learn. In terms of some disc companies ratings, an under-stable disc will tend to have lower “high speed turn” and “low speed fade” ratings.
Over-Stable: describes a disc that will tend to fade quickly from a flat release with very little turn unless released with anhyzer. Over-stable discs are not recommended for beginners. In terms of some disc companies ratings, an over-stable disc will tend to have higher “high speed turn” and “low speed fade” ratings.
Hyzer: a shot in which the outside edge of the disc is lower than the hand at release. This type of shot will typically result in a flight that curves in the direction opposite of the throwing hand.
Anhyzer: a shot in which the outside edge of the disc is higher than the hand at release. This type of shot will typically result in a flight that starts off curving in the same direction as the throwing hand.