Meandmygolf's Andy Proudman and Piers Ward explain that the 'real reason' for poor iron contact is a lack of low point control. They demonstrate how moving the body toward an 'impact line' and creating forward shaft lean ensures the club strikes the ball before the turf for compressed, solid shots.
Great iron play requires the divot to start after the ball, meaning the low point of the arc is past the ball.
The lead hip should shift 4-5 inches toward the target in the downswing, reaching the 'impact line' by the time the lead arm is parallel to the ground.
Avoid 'scooping' or early release by maintaining width in the backswing and ensuring the clubface is not open.
Forward shaft lean delofts the iron, resulting in higher ball speeds and more penetrating trajectories.
Practicing with a pause in the backswing helps engage the lower body and prevents the hands from 'casting' the club early.