how many times , did the controller asked you to hold?
for me: never, and I have 1800h flight time including commercial flights.
only instructors ask you to hold (only for more $$$$$)
well, here the US way: guess by experience how much you have to drift and correct by 3-4 degree ,for the timing if you are to short on the inbound(50 sec), extend the outbound to 1m10s.
the best way is to use the FMS.It is an airline requirement , even airlines pilots forget and dont have the time for that.