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Common Mistake of Shanking

Shanking is hitting the ball toward the back of the club face (at the hozel) usually begins with too much of the body’s weight on the toes. This causes the club head to move from the outside to the inside in the swing. Such cutting across the ball, or worse, can send it off erratically. Shanking also comes from shoving the right hand forward to form trying to dig a divot by hitting behind the ball with the 1,2, or 3 iron. Shanking occurs mostly with the long irons, which seem to give golfers the most trouble.
Starting with the mental picture of standing on one railroad track and setting up to swing at a ball placed on the other, the ideal anti-shank golf swing would swing would have the club head move toward the ball from a slightly inside position and strike the ball at the very moment the club face is in line with the target. In this example, the club head curves back, away from the track the ball is on.
If you are teeing up for a long iron shot and are having shanking problems, tee the ball up as high as you can. However, the only long term solution for shanking is to develop a coordinated, well-grooved swing.

Swing tempo

A driver takes the same swing tempo as a pitching wedge, and the same is true for all the clubs when taking a full swing. The consistency in tempo will lead to consistency in contact (and thus accuracy). For a proper swing let your arms lead and smoothly draw the club away with your arms, and let your body follow. Your left shoulder and hips will turn obediently, naturally transferring weight to your right side (about 90% on the back foot at the top of your swing).
For greater accuracy try pulling with your left arm from the top of your swing. And don't do like the pros and lead the downswing. Yes, this gives them power, but, for most golfers, it results in sliding ahead of the ball and causes weak, slicing shots.
Low and left causes topped shots. Keep the club face square for several inches after impact. Transfer your weight to your front left side (about 90% on the front foot on your follow through). Let your right knee rotate to face the target with your right foot up so the bottom is visible. Your hands should be high and close to your left ear.