Depending on the situation, the best options in an engine failure are;
1. Land ahead - (EFATO, low level, flying into wind)
2. Establish on final as high as possible and complete figure of 8 holding pattern (turning towards the field) until a straight in landing is available
3. If too low for 2, complete a constant aspect turning approach into the field.
During the lesson I demonstrate the two things one should not sensibly try - turn back in EFATO (or engine failure after PFL) and the square circuit.
Quite true to say that there usually a field close at hand. I impress that having suffered an engine failure, it is far better to land well in a small field and hit the far hedge at 10Kt than not make it into the big field while hitting the near hedge at 65Kt.
Agree that taking the approach as low as possible makes it more realistic however, aside from rule 5, when doing such a low go-arround one must have made allowance for a) the engine not responding or b) the engine failing for real during the climb away at low level.
Regards,
DFC