I don't think it's so special to be able to hit a type shot reliably. Since I'm basically a right to left, low ball hitter, those 2 shot types are natural. If I'm playing regularly and practicing a couple times a week, and therefore hitting it solid, I can easily do this. If I'm in one of my spells when I don't play much, and not striking it solidly, I wouldn't even try to shape shots much---just concentrate on solid contact.
All the guys I play golf with can control the type shots they hit.
The trick is to land it very near your target.