When faced with a 30 or 40 footer, think of breaking your game plan into two distinct parts. First, plan the shot, studying the slope, break, etc. This part of the preparation determines direction. Once over the ball think execution, focusing on distance, not direction.

First the planning. Study the overall slope of the green and breaks on the putting line. Set up on the target line.

Now the execution. Think distance only once you've set up on the right line. Play to a 3 foot circle around the flag to increase your 2 putt greens.

On the practice green, lay a club down parallel to your stance to check your alignment. Setting up square will eliminate one variable in an already difficult shot.