For most amateurs, practice swings are meaningless. I often hear them say, “My practice swing is always good but my real swing stinks!” I disagree. Yes, it may be slightly better, but I feel most amateurs waltz through their practice swing, never really giving it enough attention. Your practice swing is your dress rehearsal, if you will; it needs to be very realistic. For example, with any iron, it should contain some degree of ground or turf contact, if you will, and also have a very solid, held finish to show perfect balance.
Pay attention to your practice routine and make it important on your way to your ball!