Winding up the backswing is basically a simple turn -- whilst at the same time stretching the elastic bands so that when you swing down and through the ball, it's as fast as possible, all the while keeping control of balance and direction.
The problem is that when we get older, those elastic bands that were previously stretchable just aren't anymore; therefore, the reality is the lack of distance. It is essential that your body winds up correctly and coils up the big back muscles, ready to spring the club back with speed and optimum power. Resistance will be felt in your right knee while feeling that your spine has turned behind the ball, shifting over a little bit off of your right axis point.
So, in essence, try to maintain some muscle flexibility and strength, but understand that your progressively ancient body doesn't have what it used to have. We lose strength and power as our years on this planet add up, and it's inevitable that what used to be an easy 6-iron is now a 5.
Out-of-Bounds: Without knowledge, action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile. In other words, without an awful lot of practice, don't try to hit a 3-iron over water that's requiring a 237-yard carry.
