When we want the ball to move higher in golf, our natural impulse is to hit it such that the club lifts the ball. Despite the obvious logic, this does not function effectively since clubs are not built for such an upward impact.
This is a common source of misunderstanding for newbie golfers when they consider striking down on the ball.
The clubface of iron is designed in such a way that it comes with a pre-built loft angle. It is tilted rearward such that the clubface points slightly upward when the club is held perpendicular to the ground.