Increasing Distance Per Stroke

I did cursory search on this; saw some discussions of how important it is to play the "golf" game to gain speed while maintaining length with stroke, BUT, how do you actually INCREASE the distance per stroke? I know there are drills, but when I actually swim I cannot seem to get a stronger pull or better alignment in the water to go faster with less effort. Pull fast under the water? High early vertical forearm? Better rotation? None of these seem to get me fewer strokes. What do you think actually GETS you more distance? And if there is a thread that addresses the getting of more distance, please forgive, and redirect me.