Pitching Machine vs Coach Pitch

When I replied earlier I stuck only to the machine vs. live pitching argument, but It seems to have opened up a little so I will add more. Our minors program has every team play each other twice. The first half of the season coaches pitch, and the second half kids pitch. I really like this setup because it solves many problems. Yes many coaches do lob, and coming from a coach that pitches to the kids pretty fast it bothered me. But overall the coaches pitched at least somewhat straight in. Coaches pitching gives the kids a chance to build confidence as well as the opportunity to build defensive skills. This is because once kids begin pitching it is more of a walk-a-thon. However, kids must pitch in order to learn the mechanics and get used to using them in a game. Also, the batter needs to get rid of the fear of hitting off of a kid.

It is interesting, but a kid is more afraid of hitting off of a boy his age than his coach. Even if his coach is huge and throws gas. I throw hard to my 11-12 majors team and they hit me fine, I also throw a variety of junk and they do OK. Yet come game-time some of the kids are terrified. Point is, earlier kids get rid of fear the better.

I really do not like the idea of 11-12 year old major players pitching to the kids, too much responsibility. Not to mention liability