I would not say a "game", it can be deadly. I would not say "training" as a traditional match is not conducted by trained instructors with that intent and the time spent is not extensive nor focused to that objective. I would say IDPA is a competitive shooting "sport" that is loosely based on defensive principles. 

At the DE state match we had a stage where the shooter was seated at their desk, a work environment. 2 bad guys were coming at them with a hostage between them. The 2 threat targets were positioned edge to edge about 5 to 7 yards away with a distance of about 3 feet between them, front to back. The NT was between them so the left side covered the right half of the back target and the right side was overlapped by the left side of the front target. CoF specified body shots. Very challenging arrangement. 

Just remember, the NT must have 2 full size "hands" on it and at least one must be visible from all shooting positions. 

- Jay

5 Gun SS - Jun 2014