I always thought that, having overflown the VOR (beacon joining) and tracked outbound for the specified time, the inbound turn off the entry is flown to roll out direct to the beacon, not to 'couch the needle' in an attempt to achieve the holding radial. Then, overhead the beacon, the hold is entered (beacon holding) and the approach flown from the subsequent inbound turn.
I was taught both ways are suitable for parallel entries into holds, especially over an NDB. Of course one must get a feeling for the winds on the outbound leg to ensure this method will be feasable.
As a side note are "sectors" 1,2, and 3 in refrence to the different entry procedures for holds? Parallel, offset, and direct respectively? Are there also "sectors" for approach joining pro's?