My daughter seems to throw a headlock a lot and it has been effective if she doesn't use it all the time. You mentioned that the hs boys don't seem to use it but at kids state I was watching the 16 and under mats for most of the weekend. I saw a lot of headlocks and throws. In fact I saw one thrown in the heavy wt division. It wasn't fast but wow what strength the guy had to pull that one off. After watching kids state I wouldn't say that boys don't use it, but probably school coaches don't allow it or say that there is better technique to use. I'm not putting club wrestling down but it's more relaxed and a little more "if it works use it". Sort of like summer basketball is more freelance then winter bb.