Simulator is the next thing to a must have... a BIG help.

I teach the "sneaking up method";

Once you've mastered hovering and are ok hovering with the tail 45 degrees off to both sides, progress to tail-in circles.
Next, begin flying horizontal figure 8's, tail-in at first) and slowly work the tail around until it's following the heli to the point where the helis is flying in toward you on the crossover of the 8 directly in front of you (easier to demonstrate than explain). Now slow up the incoming portion of that maneuver until you can come to a hover... VIOLA!

Hope this helps... practice on a sim first.

Good Luck!