Well first the airplane has to be setup for 3D/hovering.

1. long prop and low pitch
2. RELIABLE engine
3. Aft CG (as far back as you are comfortable with)
4. Control surface throws ie lots

I am probably going to get beat down for this but, You might want to try a more capable airplane for 3D. If you want a good 3D trainer then the [link=http://Spadtothebone.com]SPA3DT[/link] is a good way to go. Another good choice would be the [link=http://swanyshouse.com]Burrito[/link], or the [link=http://ohiomodelplanes.com]OMP edge[/link]. these are .40 sized planes and they fly VERY well for 3D. There are others but that is a good start.

To actually answer your question, there is no right or wrong way to enter a hover, you just pull and balance. I can say that to maintain a hover it helps a lot to do it as close to you as comfortable. You will have the chance to see subtle changes and correct them. Trailingedge has a good point in that airplanes do not like to hover and you will be moving the sticks a lot. Another thing about flying close is it is better to make many small corrections than large ones. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE buy more fuel, then practice some more.

(Give a look at the SPA3DT almost indestructable and great for harriers and hovering)