The main site you want is nsrca.org, which is the home of the AMA pattern special interest group. On their home page, go down to the bottom of the menu and click on "aerobatics links" which will list a few dozen more great pattern websites. Browse them all, find your own favorites. NSRCA has a great trim procedures chart. The AMA site sets forth the technical descriptions of all the maneuvers, I believe under the "competition" button. How to fly them is not easily described in text form, unfortunately. What most newbies are looking for is a cookbook procedure for doing a loop, let's say.

The essence of pattern is flying let's say a loop with a constant radius (i.e. a circular form), in a vertical plane (geometric plane, that is) which is square to the flyer and within a specified range distant, all of which sounds simple enough, but is endlessly complicated by the wind, which is constantly trying to blow you off one or more dimensions of your perfect circle, perfectly placed. Pattern contests are won not by flying perfect figures, but by coming closer than the other guys on that particular day (or two days) over several rounds.

The benefit of flying pattern to the typical newbie is the discipline that it brings to your flying, the preparation of your model, the attention to every detail of power and control, the mastery of one maneuver after another, the cleaning up of all your messy habits when in the air, the sense of flying every flight with a definite purpose instead of mindlessly working your sticks around. Even if you never fly in competition, what you learn will help you in every other style of flying. But going to a competition is the best way of seeing the planes, talking to the people, making contacts, asking questions, finding a coach, getting (friendly and helpful) criticism and advice...

My experience has been that pattern flyers almost universally respond enthusiastically to questions from newbies (and oldies, for that matter). They love to share information and technical tips. They all want more people to come to meets and compete.

The entry level class (Sportsman) is often flown with sport type models, so you don't really need a specialized pattern model to get started. There are several "pattern trainer" ARFs out now, the Great Planes Venus probably the most popular among them, that are capable of doing maneuvers right up through Intermediate, Advanced and Masters class maneuvers. The Cermark Javelin is another ARF that is designed more specifically as a pattern plane, on special from cermark.com for $150+s&h, a heck of a bargain.