The usual algorithm is:
identify forces acting on the particle, this should be a complete list (I hope):
1. Gravity
2. Normal reaction force
3. Tension
4. Friction/resistance
then fill in those you know and put an arrow and a letter in for those you don't.
gravity is straight forward... usually constant downwards.
the other 3 are not so straightforward as they vary
for example for a conical pendulum the tension T varies so that it's vertical component will match gravity/ Somehting similar holds with banked tracks.
once you identify each force you just need to resolve it into vertical and horizontal components by using a right angled triangle. the force vector is always the hypotenuse (just remember that the vertical and horizontal components of a force cannot be greater than the force itself.
Then you sum up each of the components so you get a resultant force acting on the particle in each direction. Then you match this with the force required to maintain the movement in the way prescribed.
for example if you have a conical pendulum, the horizontal component should = v^2/r = rw^2 inwards (to keep it going in a circle). an the vertical component should be zero (to keep it at the same height)
I reckon Fitzpatrick is ok.. people say it's easy though. If you have time go through material that is not specifically for the HSC, I found that useful as it makes ppl think instead of going into auto pilot (because they had drilled the methods in)