A pole vaulting device and method. The device includes a mat having a top side and an underside, a plurality of support poles positioned about the mat, with the plurality of support poles having a first end having a curved portion oriented in the direction of the mat, and a net having an outer periphery, and wherein the net's outer periphery is attached to the curved portion of the plurality of support poles. The pole vaulting device may further include a plurality of straps having a distal end attached to the underside of the mat and a proximal end attached to the net so that the net forms a bowl section.