i don't mean to get out of answering this directly, but check the link below for a very general description (less than a page). an active recovery day can really be totally dependent on what you're current program entails. psychologically, they're good as well for preventing athletes from thinking a day of rest "is getting me no where"

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/t...verecovery.htm

very generally: you should definitely have one total day of rest and probably 1 or 2 days of intense bouts followed by a day of "active recovery" per week

i am being vague on purpose to allow you lattitude in incorporating these ideas into what you are doing. just know it is utilized in training regimens and see what you come up with.

let us know if you need more specificity