Totally agree with you star, I have noticed that our "local" hitting instructor just uses a machine for the lessons so during the team batting practice I want the girls seeing live pitching. Still don't know what is better tho, using our own pitchers, or just having me throw?
Almost every practice should incorporate some hitting into the session. For example, set-up multiple hitting stations and rotate the players: 1) front toss with game balls (infield); 2) T work and soft toss (outfield); and 3) front toss with TCB balls and mulitple sized wiffles (outfield).
I also think its important to have the batters face live pitching (either in a 6 on 6 scrimmage or at a station in the infield). You cannot replicate hitting in a game without facing live pitching in practice so have your batters bat against pitchers as much as possible.
Lastly, occassionally use the cages to work on timing, hitting mechanics, and to practice bunts.