I seem to have trouble in performing the 180 degree power off landing. My instructor demonstrated it a couple of times over the last few weeks and did an outstanding job. Soon after he cut the power, I tend to take my time in making a very shallow turn (shallower than normal) towards base and final and end up not making it. I don't have trouble with maintaining best glide, getting the gear down, and doing all the troubleshooting and securing engine procedures. I am having a hard time doing s-turns, slips, and steep turns (to lose altitude) below 500 feet AGL. I feel like since the margin for error is very slim at low altitude, I would rather not risk it. I recall a recent article published by Barry Schiff in AOPA Pilot magazine. He wrote that depending on altitude and proficiency, a pilot should think about making a steep (45 degree) turn towards the departure runway if the engine were to fail on take off. Any suggestions are appreciated. Like any other maneuver, I hope that practice and familiarity with what's occurring aerodynamically would help. I.E. Keep the angle of attack low, airspeed well above stall etc.