I have always had a hard time hitting long irons (3-5) (usally hitting behind the ball and in some cases, a complete dig out). A question has popped into my head and i was hoping someone here can shed some light.

Since i am only 5'6, in order for me to hold a long iron and have the club sole rest completely on the ground during my setup, i will have to grip the club lower but this means i am playing with a "shoter" iron. Will this still get me the increased distance that a longer iron should?

But if i hold onto to the end of the club, the toe of the club will not be resting on the ground because the shaft is so long that the head is actually pushed further away from my body.

Do you compensate for a longer/shorter club by altering your posture (bending over more/less but keeping the ball the same distance from you) OR increase/decrease your distance to the ball?

Thanks.