Stability is one of the most important disc properties when choosing a disc. There are three stability classifications, based on the behavior of a disc when thrown using a level right-handed backhand (reverse the direction for left-handed backhands):

• Understable: An understable disc has a natural tendency to curve to the right.
• Stable: A stable disc will maintain a straight flight path.
• Overstable: An overstable disc has a natural tendency to curve to the left.

Also, there are three stability classifications for right-handed forehand throws (reverse direction for left-handed forehands):

• Understable: An understable disc has a natural tendency to curve to the left.
• Stable: A stable disc will maintain a straight flight path.
• Overstable: An overstable disc has a natural tendency to curve to the right.

The stability of a disc depends on a number of factors, including the weight, size and shape of the disc and the speed with which it is thrown. Stability is increased when the player is able to hear a "snap" when the disc is released off the fingers. The "snap" indicates that the disc has a high angular momentum, like a gyroscope; the increased stability will allow the player to increase their accuracy. Thus, a disc that is overstable for one player may be stable or even understable for another.

Throwing into the wind will make a disc fly more understable than it usually does. For a right-hand backhand thrower, this means that a disc will turn more to the right than it would normally. Therefore, to maintain a straight line, an overstable disc (i.e. one that turns to the left normally) should be thrown into the wind. An understable disc will be more likely to turn over (or flip) when thrown into the wind. For a right-hand backhand thrower, this will result in a dramatic right turn. The wind will also cause the disc not to fade back to the left at all.

Each disc is also meant to be thrown within a certain speed range. If the disc is thrown slower than that range, it will fly overstable (to the left). Conversely, if the disc is thrown faster than that speed range, it will fly understable (to the right). The directions given in parentheses are for right-hand backhand throwers. A common example of this is when a beginner purchases a disc that is designed for pro-level players with extremely strong throws. This disc, in the hands of a beginner with a weak arm, will curve hard to the left (overstable), not giving them much distance at all.

The disc spin, angle upon release, and air speed (partially related to arm speed) are important control factors. The Bernoulli principle of flight allows the disc to achieve lift, when the air flows over the top of the disc, faster than the bottom of it. As a disc gets older and is used often (Banged into trees, rocks, targets, etc.) it will normally become more and more understable.

The roller, which segues smoothly from the air to the ground, can far exceed the distance of a regular forearm or backhand throw. Disc geometry is crucial as only certain discs will roll well.