In my experience most players believe that the ball position is different for each iron.  They tend to play the short irons towards the back foot.  The middle irons more to the center, and the long irons towards the front foot.  Then they wonder why they are not consistent with contact and the ball flight.  This is because the bottom of their swing has to be slightly different with each iron.

When a player has multiple ball positions, the effective loft of the iron is changed.  The short irons being played towards the back foot would tend to decrease the loft (lower the ball flight).  The long irons played towards the front foot would tend to increase the loft (higher flight and less distance).  Counter productive to what the club is meant to do.

A correctly struck iron shot is hit slightly on the downswing, (a steeper angle of attack). Striking the ball first and producing a divot on the target side of the ball.  This creates backspin which gets the ball airborne.  If the long irons are played too far forward, the tendency of this ball placement and swing would be to hit behind the ball.  This ball position would make the swing either hit the ground first or catch the ball on the upswing causing over spin.  The ball will not get in the air with this ball position.

My recommendation is that players position the ball more towards the center of their stance for iron shots.  This will allow them to be more consistent with contact and the effective loft of the clubs will be better utilized.  The accomplished player may tend to play their irons a little forward, because of their athletic motion.  The bottom of their swing is more forward.  If you need to hit a lower shot then the ball should be played slightly back in your stance. The opposite is true to hit a higher iron shot.  Place the ball slightly forward.

When hitting woods from a tee the ball is played more towards the target foot so you can hit the ball on an upward arc, and fairway woods from the ground need to be somewhere between center or slightly forward of center.

When practicing, place one of your clubs a few inches away from the ball, in the direction of your target.  Then place a second club perpendicular to the target line (similar to a T with the ball at the bottom of the T).  Now straddle the perpendicular club and make sure your heels are the same distance from the shaft of your iron, if you are hitting a driver the ball should be placed towards the instep if your target foot to produce and upward angle of attack.

This will help you to develop an eye for where the ball needs to be when on the course. This tactic will create a consistent trajectory with each shot.  Enjoy the game.

Sean Hanley
Director of Instruction
Cranwell Golf School