by Craig Tidwell

For the past seven years, the Liveball program at The Chesterfield Athletic Club has proven to be one of the most popular offerings at the club.  Developed by the club’s Director of Tennis, Wynn Criswell, the class features an interesting format where “challenger” doubles teams seek to win two out of three points against the “rulers” to dethrone them.  The competitive drills each feature a different aspect of the game while upbeat music fills the air.  

Criswell cites the energetic atmosphere, great physical workout and social component as key reasons for the success of the program.  The fast-paced format promotes a lot of mixing and matching among the players, and it serves to provide a great practice environment against a wide variety of playing styles. 

 Additionally, it makes participation in the class a great way to meet other tennis players at the club.  Criswell estimates that the program averages about fifty-six players that participate each week.   Liveball is currently offered on Saturday afternoon, along with two sessions on Tuesday nights. 

 Behind the scenes, club member and program attendee Victoria Winn has played a vital role in the program’s success.  She helps promote the program to fellow club members, makes sure the music is ready for each class, and helps with some administrative functions.  Her steady presence and enthusiasm for the program have been key ingredients to its success.  One could say that Wynn Criswell and Victoria Winn working together has been a “Wynn-Winn” situation for the members.  Feel free to contact Wynn on his cell phone at 314.517.1719 if you want to give the class a try.